The highly anticipated biopic The Smashing Machine finally lands in U.S. theaters today, October 3, 2025, courtesy of A24 and director Benny Safdie. Starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr, the film dives into the fighter's turbulent rise and personal demons during the early days of UFC. It's a gritty tale, pulled from a 2002 documentary, that promises raw intensity amid the octagon's chaos.
Safdie, known for his kinetic indie work like Uncut Gems, steps into this sports drama with a fresh vigor. He wrote, directed, co-produced, and even edited the 123-minute feature, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last month. There, it snagged the Silver Lion, a notable win that has critics buzzing about Johnson's transformation. Indeed, the former wrestler bulked up yet again, but this time it's less about the flash and more about vulnerability—Kerr's battles with addiction and relationships take center stage.
Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's wife, Dawn Staples, bringing emotional depth to the supporting role, while UFC vets like Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten appear as themselves, adding authenticity. However, the film's reception isn't unanimously glowing. Some reviewers praise its unflinching style, with Rotten Tomatoes hovering around 85% fresh from early screenings, calling it a "powerful account" of MMA's underbelly. Others, though, note a certain heaviness, as if Safdie's handheld camerawork and Johnson's hulking presence sometimes overshadow the quieter moments of despair.
Moreover, this marks a bold pivot for Johnson, who's chasing Oscar whispers after years of blockbusters. The movie's fall release feels strategic, timed just right for awards chatter. Yet, questions linger about whether audiences will embrace this darker side of The Rock, far from his family-friendly fare.
Indeed, as the credits roll in packed houses this weekend, it's worth pondering if The Smashing Machine truly smashes through the clichés of the genre.