In the gritty world of mixed martial arts, few stories capture the raw brutality and personal toll like that of Mark Kerr, the UFC heavyweight champion whose life now hits the big screen in Benny Safdie's directorial debut, The Smashing Machine. Set for a limited release on October 3, the film dives into three tumultuous years of Kerr's career in the late 1990s, blending high-stakes fights with his battles against addiction and emotional strain. Dwayne Johnson, shedding his usual blockbuster sheen, steps into Kerr's shoes with a performance that's already drawing Oscar buzz after premiering at the Venice Film Festival last month.
Safdie, known for his tense collaborations with brother Josh on films like Uncut Gems, goes solo here, crafting a biopic that's less about glory and more about the quiet devastation behind the ring. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples, bringing a grounded intensity to their strained relationship. The movie, inspired by a 2002 documentary of the same name, doesn't pull punches in depicting Kerr's dominance in promotions like UFC and Pride FC, where he racked up wins but also grappled with heroin dependency. Indeed, it's this unflinching look at vulnerability that sets it apart from typical sports dramas—think Raging Bull, but with a modern, hazy edge scored by ambient tracks that linger like post-fight fog.
Critics have been largely impressed, with Variety calling Johnson's portrayal a "revelation" for its restraint and physicality. However, not everyone is sold; some reviews note the film's meandering pace occasionally dulls the impact, turning potential knockouts into drawn-out rounds. Still, at 82 minutes, it clocks in tight, focusing on Kerr's peak and fall without unnecessary filler. Johnson, at 53, bulked up to 280 pounds for the role, transforming into an almost unrecognizable force that highlights Safdie's eye for the human cost of combat sports.
Moreover, the ensemble features real MMA vets like Bas Rutten and Ryan Bader, adding authenticity to the cage scenes that feel visceral yet not gratuitous. As The Smashing Machine rolls into theaters amid A24's indie push, it challenges viewers to see beyond the spectacle of fighting. What does it mean, really, when victory comes at such a steep personal price?