The new film The Smashing Machine has landed with a thud at the Venice International Film Festival, drawing buzz for its unflinching look at MMA legend Mark Kerr's turbulent life. Directed by Benny Safdie, the biopic stars Dwayne Johnson in a role that's already sparking Oscar talk. Kerr, once known as "The Smashing Machine" for his brutal wrestling style, earned that nickname early in his career by pummeling opponents with relentless headbutts and ground-and-pound tactics. It's a fitting moniker for a man who dominated the early UFC scene, winning two heavyweight tournaments in 1997 and capturing the World Vale Tudo Championship.
But Kerr's story isn't just about victories. The film delves into his battles with addiction, a theme that echoed the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. That original, directed by John Hyams, captured Kerr's highs and lows, from NCAA wrestling titles to his struggles with painkillers and personal demons. Now, at 56, Kerr seems to be turning a page. Just last week, he signed with Innovative Artists, signaling a potential pivot toward more media work amid the film's hype. The Venice premiere on September 1 netted the movie a Silver Lion award, with critics praising Johnson's vulnerable performance as the hulking fighter unraveling under pressure.
Indeed, reviews have been glowing. Variety called it a "laceratingly humane sports biopic," highlighting how Safdie avoids the usual triumph-over-adversity clichés. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's ex-wife Dawn Staples, adding emotional depth to the narrative of love fraying amid the chaos of the fight game. And while Johnson took real punches during filming to amp up authenticity, the real Kerr has been vocal lately, sharing stories of his four ADCC submission wrestling world titles and his 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction.
However, not everything's polished. Some early takes note the film's gritty violence might alienate casual viewers, mirroring Kerr's own raw, unfiltered path. Moreover, as the October 3 U.S. release approaches via A24, questions linger about how Hollywood's gloss will sit with MMA purists. For now, though, the momentum builds.
In an era of sanitized sports tales, does The Smashing Machine finally give fighters like Kerr the complex portrait they deserve?