In the shadow of its Venice Film Festival premiere, Benny Safdie's directorial solo debut The Smashing Machine is generating buzz as a raw take on MMA legend Mark Kerr's turbulent life. Starring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role as the former UFC champion, the film traces Kerr's rise through brutal fights and personal demons, including a harrowing battle with opioid addiction. Emily Blunt, playing Kerr's wife Dawn Staples, brings a grounded intensity that critics are already calling a standout.
Safdie, known for his kinetic collaborations with brother Josh in films like Uncut Gems, shifts gears here to a more introspective biopic. Indeed, the movie draws from the 2002 documentary of the same name, capturing Kerr's glory days in the early UFC era—think 1990s cage matches where he racked up titles like two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. But it's the off-mat struggles that hit hardest: Kerr's descent into drugs after losses and injuries, straining his relationship with Staples. Blunt's portrayal, in particular, avoids melodrama, offering a quiet anchor amid the chaos.
Reviews pouring in praise Johnson's restraint, a departure from his blockbuster persona, while Blunt earns nods for her emotional depth. The film snagged the Silver Lion at Venice on September 1, 2025, and holds a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with scores hovering around 85%. Moreover, its October 3 release by A24 positions it as a potential awards contender, though Safdie's handheld style and nonlinear flashes might polarize audiences. However, the authenticity shines through, bolstered by cameos from real fighters like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten.
Blunt, fresh off Oppenheimer, spoke in recent interviews about the serendipitous casting, noting how she and Johnson bonded over the script's vulnerability. Kerr himself, now 56 and recovered, has endorsed the project, calling it a tough but true reflection. Yet, one wonders if Hollywood's fascination with redemption arcs truly honors the fighters' scars.