The upcoming film The Smashing Machine has been turning heads since its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival last month. Directed by Benny Safdie in his solo outing, the biographical sports drama stars Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, the former UFC heavyweight known as "The Smashing Machine." Johnson, usually seen flexing in blockbusters, dives deep here into Kerr's turbulent life, from wrestling glory to MMA dominance and personal demons. It's based on a 2002 documentary that captured Kerr's raw intensity, and now this adaptation seems poised to do the same on the big screen.
Indeed, the movie chronicles Kerr's rise in the late 1990s UFC scene, where he notched impressive wins but grappled with addiction and injury. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's ex-wife Dawn Staples, adding emotional layers to the fighter's struggles. Critics at Venice praised Johnson's transformative performance, calling it vulnerable and far from his typical heroic fare. The film snagged the Silver Lion award there, signaling strong festival buzz. Moreover, Kerr himself, recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this year, has signed with a top agency amid the hype, perhaps eyeing more projects tied to his story.
But let's not overlook the grit behind the glamour. Kerr's real battles with painkillers and recovery aren't glamorized; Safdie's script leans into the unglamorous side of extreme sports. Reviews highlight how the film sidesteps clichés, focusing instead on quiet defeats and fleeting triumphs. With a runtime that packs in Kerr's 1999-2000 peak—think back-to-back tournament victories—the pacing feels urgent, almost claustrophobic. However, some early takes note it sacrifices tidy storytelling for authenticity, which might divide viewers.
Releasing nationwide on October 3 through A24, The Smashing Machine arrives at a time when MMA biopics are scarce. Johnson's potential Oscar nod feels earned, given his physical overhaul and emotional depth. Yet, as Kerr's legacy evolves beyond the octagon, one wonders if this portrayal fully honors the man's unfiltered resilience.