In the packed world of fall film releases, Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine arrives with a punch, blending raw MMA intensity with personal turmoil. Set for wide U.S. release on October 3, the film stars Dwayne Johnson as real-life UFC pioneer Mark Kerr, a wrestler-turned-fighter grappling with addiction and glory in the sport's wild early days. Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr's steadfast wife, bringing a quiet ferocity that grounds the chaos.
Safdie, stepping out solo after years of collaborating with brother Josh on indie hits like Uncut Gems, draws from a 2002 documentary to craft this biopic. It's not your typical sports drama—more a jagged portrait of a man breaking under pressure. Johnson bulks up convincingly, but it's his vulnerable side that critics are buzzing about, shedding the blockbuster sheen for something bruised and real. Indeed, the Venice Film Festival premiere on September 1 earned a 15-minute ovation and the Silver Lion award, signaling early awards chatter.
Blunt, fresh off her Oscar-nominated turn in Oppenheimer, dives into a role that's equal parts supporter and survivor. She navigates Kerr's opioid spiral and ego-fueled rages with subtle power, her performance drawing praise for adding emotional depth to the ring-side brutality. Reviews highlight how Safdie's kinetic style—quick cuts, handheld shots—mirrors the unpredictability of Kerr's life, from tournament triumphs to personal lows. Rotten Tomatoes has it certified fresh at around 90%, with outlets like Variety calling it a "laceratingly humane" take on fame's toll.
However, not everything lands perfectly; some note the film's episodic feel can feel uneven, like a fighter missing a few jabs. Still, the ensemble shines, with UFC vets like Ryan Bader adding authenticity. Moreover, Safdie's direction pushes Johnson into uncharted territory, proving the action star's dramatic chops.
As The Smashing Machine heads to theaters, it raises questions about how we lionize athletes' victories while ignoring their hidden battles.