The Smashing Machine arrives with a wave of awards-season buzz and higher expectations than nearly any recent sports biopic. Yet, despite its ambition and the anticipation surrounding it, the film struggles to fully meet the towering hype it has generated.
The film follows Mark Kerr, a former wrestler turned early pioneer of mixed martial arts, whose rise helped propel the sport into the mainstream. Rather than attempting to cover his entire career, the film narrows its focus to a turbulent three-year stretch from 1997 to 2000.
Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is nothing short of sensational, easily the brightest spot in The Smashing Machine. Completely unrecognizable both physically and emotionally, Johnson earns every bit of the acclaim he’s received so far and likely more to come. Oscar talk might be a little premature, but if this performance is any indication of his range, I’d love to see him take on even bolder dramatic roles.
For all its strengths, The Smashing Machine is just as often frustrating, especially when it comes to the narrative. Kerr’s struggles with addiction had the potential to deliver real emotional weight, but those moments are glossed over. Instead, the film lingers too long on the relationship dynamics between Johnson and Emily Blunt’s characters, leaving the more compelling threads underdeveloped.
Overall, The Smashing Machine is a solid sports biopic, but it falls short of greatness. With sharper focus and a deeper exploration of its most powerful themes, it could have been something truly special.