The new film The Smashing Machine lands just in time for fall movie season, telling the gritty tale of MMA legend Mark Kerr through Dwayne Johnson's eyes. Directed by Benny Safdie, it's a biographical drama that dives deep into Kerr's rise in the UFC during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Johnson, known more for blockbuster action than introspective roles, bulked up to 280 pounds to embody the wrestler-turned-fighter, capturing Kerr's triumphs and personal demons with a vulnerability that's already sparking Oscar whispers.
Kerr, once dubbed "The Smashing Machine" for his relentless ground-and-pound style, dominated the sport with back-to-back UFC tournament wins in 1999. But the movie doesn't shy away from the shadows—his battles with painkiller addiction and the toll of the cage. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife Dawn Staples, adding emotional layers to the chaos. Indeed, the film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, snagging the Silver Lion award and drawing praise for its unflinching look at early MMA's brutality.
Critics have been quick to note how Safdie, stepping out from his usual collaborations, crafts a story that's more about quiet unraveling than explosive fights. Johnson's performance stands out; he sheds the charisma for a haunted intensity, making Kerr's 2002 documentary roots feel fresh yet painfully real. However, some reviews point to pacing issues, where the personal strife sometimes overshadows the ring action. Still, with a 7.2 IMDb rating early on and Rotten Tomatoes hovering near 90 percent, it's clear the film resonates.
Mark Kerr himself, now a UFC Hall of Famer inducted in 2025, has signed with a top agency amid the buzz, hinting at renewed interest in his legacy. The movie hits U.S. theaters October 3 via A24, promising a raw slice of sports history. Moreover, it arrives as MMA evolves, reminding viewers of its unforgiving origins.
As Johnson steps into Kerr's battered boots on screen, the question lingers: how much of that pain can cinema truly convey?