As the curtain rises on Hollywood's latest dive into the brutal world of mixed martial arts, Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine is already turning heads. Directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo outing, the film pulls no punches in chronicling Kerr's rise and fall during the late 1990s, a time when MMA was still raw and unregulated. Johnson, bulked up and stripped down, embodies the heavyweight champion's triumphs in the ring and his battles with addiction outside it. Indeed, the movie doesn't glorify the violence; it lays bare the toll on body and soul.
Safdie, known for his tense collaborations with brother Josh on films like Uncut Gems, shifts here to a more introspective pace. The story spans three turbulent years in Kerr's life, focusing on his relationships—especially with wife Dawn Staples, played with quiet intensity by Emily Blunt. Supporting roles go to actual UFC veterans like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, adding authenticity to the sweat-soaked fight scenes that feel less like spectacle and more like inevitable collisions. Critics at the Venice Film Festival, where it premiered on September 1, 2025, and snagged the Silver Lion award, have praised Johnson's vulnerability, calling it a revelation far from his usual blockbuster fare.
However, not everything lands perfectly. Some reviews note the film's dreamy, almost narcotized rhythm can drag, mirroring Kerr's haze of painkillers and personal demons but occasionally testing patience. Still, with a score by Nala Sinephro that underscores the quiet desperation, Safdie crafts a biopic that zigs away from typical sports movie clichés—no easy triumphs here. The A24 release hits theaters October 3, 2025, just days away, positioning it as an awards contender in a crowded fall slate.
Moreover, the timing feels apt, as MMA's evolution from fringe spectacle to global phenomenon invites fresh looks at its pioneers. Johnson's commitment shines through in every strained breath and shadowed glance, suggesting depths we haven't seen from him before. Yet, one wonders if this raw exposure will redefine his star power or just add another layer to the Rock's indomitable image.
In the end, The Smashing Machine forces us to confront what victory really costs in the fight game—what enduring mark does it leave on those who step into the cage?