Dir: Benny Safdie
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
Johnson and Blunt shine, but it is Benny Safdie’s daring fly-on-the-wall approach that pulls you right into the heart of this UFC biopic, which had me unexpectedly rooting for the trailblazers of a sport I previously cared little about
The feel-good underdog story has become a cornerstone of cinema, and much of that is thanks to “Rocky”, which set the gold standard nearly fifty years ago. Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar-winning sports drama didn’t just win the hearts of critics; it transformed the genre, sending audiences out of theatres with newfound hope after watching an unlikely hero chase glory against all odds. While the world of sports and film has evolved since then, and echoes of “Rocky” still linger in modern storytelling, today’s sports movies offer a wider range of stories. “The Smashing Machine”, which hit cinemas last week, is a prime example of this growing narrative diversity.
Benny Safdie, stepping out on his own from the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo, delivers a rare sports film with “The Smashing Machine,” diving deep into the gritty world of UFC. Although Mixed Martial Arts now commands a global stage, its rise has been swift, with the UFC only coming into existence in 1993. I have never been a follower of the sport, but names like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Ronda Rousey are hard to miss, thanks to their larger-than-life personas and ventures beyond the octagon. Rather than focusing on today’s superstars, Safdie’s biographical drama shines a light on Mark Kerr, one of the sport’s original trailblazers. Despite shaping the very foundation of MMA, Kerr’s story remains a largely overlooked chapter, even among many fans of the combat sport.
The film opens and closes with glimpses of the real Mark Kerr, first basking in his glory as an Ultimate Fighting Champion, then quietly navigating the aisles of a grocery store years later, smaller and older. The story focuses on three pivotal years of his life, from 1997 to 2000, capturing the rapid rise of Kerr (Dwayne Johnson) in the UFC. At the heart of the film is Mark’s turbulent relationship with his girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt); their love is a storm of arguments and reconciliations, made even more fragile by Mark’s constant travels to Japan to compete in the Pride Fighting Championships.
Mark’s initial undefeated streak, guided by coach and fellow fighter Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader), is shattered after a crushing loss to Ukrainian power-hitter Igor Vovchanchyn (Oleksandr Usyk). The defeat sends Mark spiralling into drug use, straining his already fragile relationship with Dawn. After a near-fatal overdose and a hard-fought recovery in rehab, Mark finds new strength under the mentorship of Bas Rutten, who plays himself. With a comeback victory under his belt, Mark is determined to repair his bond with Dawn, win back his fans, and prove himself in the 2000 Grand Prix tournament, where both Coleman and Vovchanchyn, along with a $200,000 prize, await.
Similar to 2023’s “The Iron Claw”, which told the tragic true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, “The Smashing Machine” stands apart from your average crowd-pleasing sport biopic. Instead of relying on grand payoffs or a formulaic underdog story, Safdie’s film, which in is adapted from a 2002 documentary, takes the bold narrative move of focusing on the characters’ vulnerabilities. Safdie shows an incredible amount of tenderness and restraint in his first solo feature, by not only exploring the physical and emotional toll the undeniably brutal sport takes on Mark Kerr, but also the strain on his partner, Dawn, by also touching on her vulnerabilities. This central dynamic between the two leads is where the film is at its strongest, which while brining a surprising amount of emotional weight to proceedings, my detract those expecting a more traditional sport biopic depicting Kerr’s career in the ring rather than outside it.
Johnson and Blunt have undeniable chemistry having worked with each other in the past on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” in 2021, with both stars’ natural charisma justifying why the on screen couple stick together despite their relentless conflicts. Many have suggested that this is the first viable Oscar vehicle for Johnson, and having seen the film it is very hard to deny that this is by far the former WWE wrestler’s best acting work to date. He brings the charm and physicality that have made him such a star both as a wrestler and a Hollywood actor, but here there is also a vulnerability that he has rarely showcased before. His portrayal of Mark Kerr is both physically demanding and emotionally rich, especially as he shares the ring with real-life MMA and boxing talents Bader and Usyk.
The electric push and pull between Johnson and the ever-impressive Blunt throws the tangled mess of their characters’ lives into sharp relief. Both Mark and Dawn veer between sympathetic and infuriating, their flaws laid bare. As Kerr spirals into addiction, his anger erupts, punching through doors and threatening Dawn, while her own narcissism and mercurial moods swing her from supportive to volatile in a heartbeat. Their destructive patterns seem to fuel each other, propelling their relationship on a relentless, chaotic ride.
These dramatic, almost kitchen sink moments between the couple are visually told with incredible intimacy and realism thanks to Safdie’s bold filmmaking. Instead of framing his characters front and centre, placing his audience among the drama, the director adopts for a less intrusive, fly-on-the-wall style approach, which provides a non-fictional feel to proceedings. The realism is only broken by the rare but unforgettable fight scenes, where the violence is rendered with bone-crunching, muscle-grinding detail. Each blow lands with a sickening authenticity, painting the sport as a brutal, unforgiving arena. The UFC’s early days, before modern rules, were even more savage, with fighters unleashing knees and kicks to grounded opponents’ heads and faces.
The Verdict:
“The Smashing Machine” might not deliver the sweeping drama or uplifting moments some expect from a sports biopic, leaving those viewers wanting more. Yet Benny Safdie draws out the finest performances of both Johnson and Bult, crafting a raw and daringly personal portrait of a trailblazing athlete whose legacy deserves far more recognition in the world of UFC he helped shape.
The Smashing Machine is now showing in UK Cinemas
Dan Loves Film 
Great review: Safdie does indeed keep the “documentary” feel distinct and fresh, and the performances are great. Sadly, the film has not connected here in the US, perhaps due to the quiet intensity of Johnson’s performance..the film is not “Rocky” and never said it was…
LikeLiked by 1 person