In the buzzing aftermath of its Venice Film Festival premiere, Benny Safdie's directorial solo debut "The Smashing Machine" has critics raving about its raw take on MMA legend Mark Kerr's turbulent life. Starring Dwayne Johnson in a surprisingly vulnerable turn as the former UFC champion, the film dives deep into Kerr's battles both in the ring and out—grappling with addiction, trauma, and the brutal underbelly of early mixed martial arts. Emily Blunt, playing Kerr's wife Dawn Staples, brings a grounded intensity that anchors the chaos, her performance drawing praise for capturing the quiet devastation of loving someone on the edge.
Safdie, known for his kinetic collaborations with brother Josh in films like "Uncut Gems," shifts gears here to a more introspective biopic, inspired by the 2002 documentary of the same name. Indeed, the movie doesn't shy away from Kerr's highs and lows: his dominance in the late '90s UFC scene, where he notched multiple heavyweight titles, contrasted sharply with personal demons that nearly derailed everything. Blunt's Staples isn't just a supportive figure; she's a force, navigating the opioid haze and emotional wreckage with a mix of toughness and tenderness. Johnson, shedding his action-hero sheen, bulks up for the fights but truly shines in the quieter, fractured moments—a revelation that has Venice audiences on their feet for a 15-minute ovation back on September 1.
However, not everything lands perfectly. Some reviewers note the film's jagged pacing mirrors Kerr's own instability, which can feel uneven, almost too vérité for its own good. Still, with supporting turns from UFC vets like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten adding authenticity, "The Smashing Machine" feels like a gritty pivot for all involved. A24's October 3 release in the US promises to bring this story to wider eyes, especially as MMA's popularity surges. Blunt, fresh off her Oppenheimer acclaim, seems to thrive in these character-driven roles, proving once again her range beyond blockbusters.
Moreover, the Venice Silver Lion win underscores the film's impact, blending sports drama with psychological depth in a way that's refreshingly unpolished. As theaters gear up for the rollout, one wonders how Kerr's real-life resilience will resonate in today's fight-game landscape.