'The Smashing Machine' Review, The Sports Biopic Starring Dwayne Johnson As MMA Fighter, Mark Kerr

Dwayne Johnson has established himself in both acting and sports. For the unversed, Dwayne is a professional wrestler. Recently, the American actor has garnered a lot of attention for his drastic transformation. He lost 60 pounds for his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine. The sports biopic recently got a 15-minute-long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Dwayne will be seen playing the role of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and an MMA fighter. While the actor’s weight loss and his portrayal of Mark Kerr on-screen became the talk of the town, here come the reviews about The Smashing Machine.

What to expect in the sports biopic, The Smashing Machine?

Benny Safdie’s upcoming solo directorial debut, The Smashing Machine, delves into the chaotic life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, a man who is powerful in the ring but is exactly the opposite outside it. Set between 1997 and 2000, the film depicts the early, brutal days of MMA, when fighters were not yet household names and their pay was significantly lower. Dwayne Johnson has come out of his comfort zone and has shed his usual heroic roles to play Mark Kerr, on-screen. The former wrestler is a gentle giant whose strength often masks his deep personal struggles.

The filmmaker seamlessly blends realism and raw emotion, capturing not only the fights inside the ring but also the toll of fame, addiction, and love on Mark Kerr’s vulnerable psyche. The Smashing Machine isn’t just about the endless victories but about Mark Kerr’s constant battles, both professionally and personally. His close friendship with fellow fighter, Mark Coleman, his tough training under Bas Rutten, and his complicated relationship with then-girlfriend Dawn (played by Emily Blunt) are key factors in the narrative.

While Mark can knock out his opponents with ease inside the ring, he’s less successful in managing personal struggles, emotional turmoil, and substance abuse. The film highlights the rough edges of a fighter’s journey. Shot with a raw, documentary feel, it takes the audience back to the late-90s MMA culture, from cheap arenas to humble living spaces. Dwayne Johnson delivers one of his most nuanced performances, revealing a man caught between physical dominance and emotional turmoil. It’s a gripping and human portrait of a fighter whose toughest opponent is himself, offering a powerful mix of intensity and vulnerability.

Dwayne Johnson starrer The Smashing Machine reviews

Following the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival, movie enthusiasts have taken to their social media handles and shared their reviews. An X user wrote, "The Smashing Machine is another Safdie banger and quite literally the role and performance of a lifetime for Dwayne Johnson. At times unrecognisable with the transformation, and surprisingly tender and mature, Emily Blunt balances a difficult position as she navigates the highs and lows, while trying to keep her sanity as the loving girlfriend who wants to understand someone she loves. You see the full extent of what drives a fighter to keep on winning until they can’t, and who is left to pick up the pieces."

Another X user penned, "Dwayne Johnson gives easily his best performance ever in THE SMASHING MACHINE. Emily Blunt (doing her very best with a painfully written character) & real-life MMA fighter Ryan Bader are also excellent in their roles. Powerful & entertaining, even with a repetitive screenplay." Another user wrote, "#TheSmashingMachine is a sincerely raw sports biopic on the gritty & brutal, real & emotional fights we face in & out the ring. Johnson bleeds vulnerability onto the screen in an undisputed knockout performance worth every ounce of blood, sweat & tears. Blunt the PERFECT match." Lauding the chemistry between Dwayne and Emily, a user wrote:

"THE SMASHING MACHINE stands out for its authenticity & raw portrayal. Safdie’s direction balances the brutality of the ring with a humane & heartfelt narrative. The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama with shocking emotional depth."

What are your thoughts on the sports biopic, The Smashing Machine? Let us know.

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