The buzz around Dwayne Johnson's latest venture, The Smashing Machine, is building fast as the film nears its October 3 release. Directed by Benny Safdie, this biographical drama dives into the turbulent life of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, capturing the highs of his UFC dominance in the late 1990s and the lows of personal struggle. Johnson, known more for blockbuster action than introspective roles, reportedly bulked up significantly to embody Kerr's imposing frame, drawing early praise for a performance that's raw and unfiltered.
Indeed, the movie premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1, where it snagged the Silver Lion award. Critics there hailed it as a gritty departure from typical sports biopics, focusing not just on Kerr's wrestling-to-MMA transition but on his battles with addiction and family pressures. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples, adding emotional depth to the narrative. However, some reviews note the film's uneven pacing, as if Safdie's script rushes through the ring triumphs to linger on the quieter, more devastating moments off it.
Mark Kerr himself, inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this year, has spoken warmly about the project, calling Johnson's portrayal touching and authentic. The original 2002 documentary that inspired the film, also titled The Smashing Machine, offered a stark look at Kerr's era of no-holds-barred fighting, and Safdie's version expands on that with a modern lens on vulnerability in sports. Box office projections are strong for A24's distribution, especially with Johnson's star power pulling in crowds beyond MMA fans.
Moreover, the timing feels poignant—Kerr's story resonates amid today's conversations about athlete mental health. Yet, as The Smashing Machine hits theaters tomorrow, one can't help but ponder whether Hollywood's take will fully honor the unvarnished truth of Kerr's journey.