Emily Blunt delivers a raw, unflinching portrayal in The Smashing Machine, the new biographical sports drama that traces the turbulent life of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo outing without brother Josh, the film premiered to strong buzz at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, snagging the Silver Lion for its gritty take on addiction and glory. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr's wife, who navigates the chaos of his opioid struggles and brutal career highs.
Dwayne Johnson steps into Kerr's shoes, bulking up to embody the former wrestler turned UFC champion whose dominance in the early 2000s masked deeper personal demons. Indeed, the movie draws from a 2002 documentary of the same name, focusing on Kerr's peak moments—like his undefeated streak—and the crashes that followed, including overdose scares that nearly derailed everything. Safdie, known for the frenetic energy of Uncut Gems, shifts to a more introspective rhythm here, blending fight scenes with quiet domestic fallout. However, some critics note the pacing stumbles in the third act, where Kerr's recovery feels rushed amid the emotional wreckage.
Blunt's performance stands out, bringing nuance to a role that could have veered into stereotype. She shares the screen with real MMA figures like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, adding authenticity to the octagon brawls. Moreover, Safdie's direction emphasizes Kerr's inner turmoil over flashy knockouts, a choice that elevates the film beyond typical sports biopics. Johnson, shedding his blockbuster sheen, grapples with vulnerability—though whispers suggest his larger-than-life presence occasionally overshadows the subtlety.
Releasing nationwide via A24 on October 3, 2025, The Smashing Machine clocks in at 123 minutes of bruising realism. It's a testament to how fame in the cage can shatter lives outside it. Yet as viewers file into theaters, one can't help but ponder the lasting scars of such unrelenting pursuits.