The Smashing Machine (M)

Genre-bending writer-director Benny Safdie reunites with indie film favourite, A24, for the highly anticipated drama The Smashing Machine, starring real-life WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the career-defining role of UFC legend Mark Kerr.

In the late 90s, a campaign is set up to have the brutal Ultimate Fighting Championship banned, turning all eyes to the competition and its competitors. Up-and-coming fighter Mark Kerr (reaches all-time career peaks under the glorious spotlight. Though personal struggles with addiction, winning and love disrupt his trajectory as the balance between man and machine turns red.

Based on the unforgettable true story, this visceral biopic, exploring both Kerr and his sport, chronicles the heights and trials of the fight and fighter as they both became a worldwide phenomenon. Johnson’s dramatic edge alongside chemistry with returning Jungle Cruise co-star and Oscar-nominee, Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), has audiences buzzing. Incredibly immersive, aesthetically exciting, and promising to evoke a roller coaster of emotions, Safdie continues to push the envelope, delivering an awe-inspiring story that feels genuinely raw and authentic.

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

Director: Benny Safdie

★★★★½ "more than just another sports biopic, examining what makes or breaks us as humans through a spectacular lead performance from Dwayne Johnson" DISCUSSING FILMS

★★★★ "This is the most raw and vulnerable that Johnson has ever been on screen." INDEPENDENT UK

★★★★ "an emotionally raw look at a brief period of MMA Michael Kerr's life features great performances by Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt" AGE OF THE GEEK

★★★★ "Dwayne Johnson is a revelation in [this] brutal, emotional biopic" AU REVIEW

★★★★ "a film that is not only spectacular, but also moving" FOTOGRAMAS

★★★★ "this is Johnson’s movie...and he’s delivered a knockout, thanks to a solid screenplay from Safdie" METRO UK

★★★★ "Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is Oscar-worthy" BBC

★★★★ "Beyond the regular crunch of fist on bone, The Smashing Machine is an unexpectedly gentle, soulful character study" TIME OUT

★★★★ "Johnson disappears into the role of Mark Kerr. Hard-hitting and heartfelt... a career-best performance that anchors the entire film." FLICK FEAST