In a surprising pivot for action star Dwayne Johnson, 'The Smashing Machine' arrives in theaters this Friday, October 3, marking Benny Safdie's solo directorial debut. The film, a raw biographical drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr, pulls no punches in depicting the highs and brutal lows of extreme sports. Johnson, often typecast in blockbuster fare, steps into Kerr's battered shoes, shedding his usual charisma for a more haunted, vulnerable portrayal. It's the kind of role that could redefine his career, or at least quiet some skeptics.
Safdie, known for the frenetic energy of films like Uncut Gems alongside his brother Josh, crafts here a story drawn from the 2002 documentary of the same name. Kerr, a two-time UFC champion grappling with addiction and personal demons, finds his life unraveling even as his fists connect in the ring. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples, bringing a steady emotional anchor to the chaos. Indeed, the supporting cast includes real MMA heavyweights like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, adding authenticity that borders on the visceral.
The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, snagging the Silver Lion for Safdie's direction—a nod to its unflinching style. Critics have praised Johnson's transformation, with some calling it his most committed performance yet. However, not everyone is sold; a few reviews note the film's relentless intensity can feel punishing, almost alienating at times. Running 123 minutes, it clocks in as a taut experience, blending fight sequences with quiet moments of despair. Moreover, Safdie's editing keeps the pace jagged, mirroring Kerr's fractured psyche.
However, the real question lingers in how this indie-leaning project from A24 fares against Johnson's blockbuster pedigree. Will audiences embrace the sweat and struggle, or stick to safer thrills? As the film rolls out nationwide, it invites us to consider the toll of glory in the cage.