The Smashing Machine is a sports drama directed by Benny Safdie. The film retells the life of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter who battled both fame and personal demons. Dwayne Johnson plays Kerr, pushing himself into a role far removed from his usual larger‑than‑life image.
Instead of glitzy fight montages, Safdie opts for stark realism. The film shows Kerr’s rise, his struggles with opioid addiction, and a turbulent romance with Dawn (played by Emily Blunt). Johnson’s performance is called “raw and vulnerable” by critics. He uses prosthetics, adjusts his gait and speech, and gets under Kerr’s skin. www.ndtv.com+2India Today+2
The movie avoids the usual formula of redemption and comeback. Instead, it dwells in the spiral: when Kerr loses control, he loses more than just matches. The emotional weight is heavier than the physical fights. The Indian Express+3India Today+3India Today+3
Still, the screenplay and Blunt’s role draw criticism for being underwritten. Safdie’s pacing sometimes feels loose, and the film can drag when the drama is internal. India Today+3The Indian Express+3The Times of India+3
Overall, The Smashing Machine is a bold experiment: a gritty MMA biopic that sacrifices spectacle for emotional truth. Johnson’s performance makes it compelling, though the film’s structure and supporting arcs are uneven.
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