Smashing Machine review: What to know about Dwayne Johnson’s sport biopic

Entertainment Features
Okezie Omorogie
September 2, 2025
84

Theatrical release poster of Dwayne Johnson’s sport biopic, The Smashing Machine. Photo Credit- IMDb

The Smashing Machine is a portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s life, directed by Benny Safdie in his solo debut. It highlights Dwayne Johnson’s transformative performance as Kerr, showcasing vulnerability beneath his tough exterior, a significant shift from his blockbuster roles. Emily Blunt’s intense portrayal of Dawn Staples, Kerr’s partner, adds emotional depth, though the film’s uneven pacing and overreliance on stylistic flourishes, like grainy 16mm visuals and eclectic music choices, which sometimes overshadow the narrative. While the film captures Kerr’s struggles with addiction and fame in the late ’90s UFC scene, it falls short of fully exploring his psychological complexity, resulting in a compelling but still flawed sports biopic.

Dwayne Johnson’s performance

Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr is widely celebrated as a career-defining role, with critics calling it a “revelation” for its blend of physical intensity and emotional nuance. Reviews across Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline echo this, noting Johnson’s use of prosthetics and restrained acting to embody Kerr’s “gentle giant” persona, marked by childlike wonder and inner turmoil. Social media posts reflect excitement, with users calling it a “game-changer” and comparing it to Dave Bautista’s dramatic pivot, though some express skepticism about Johnson’s ability to fully shed his action-star image. His ability to convey Kerr’s vulnerability, particularly in scenes depicting addiction and relationship struggles, sets the film apart, though some critics note the script doesn’t always give him enough depth to explore.

Benny Safdie’s directorial approach

Benny Safdie’s solo directorial effort is described by critics as a departure from the frenetic energy of his collaborations with Josh Safdie, opting for a more intimate, documentary-like style that immerses viewers in Kerr’s world. The gritty 16mm cinematography by Maceo Bishop and Nala Sinephro’s free-jazz score create a raw, visceral atmosphere, though the stylistic choices, like eclectic needle-drops from Bruce Springsteen to The Alan Parsons Project, can distract from the emotional core. Other however, praise the film’s empathetic tone. Social media posts show mixed reactions, with fans appreciating the gritty vibe but some feeling it lacks the chaotic intensity, calling it “mellow” yet visually striking.

Emily Blunt’s role as Dawn Staples

Emily Blunt’s performance as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-girlfriend and later wife, is a highlight, with critics praising her “mouthy and expressive” delivery that anchors the film’s domestic drama. Others, including The Hollywood Reporter, commend her emotional intensity but note her role feels underwritten or overly harsh in parts, limiting its impact. Blunt’s performance garners less attention than Johnson’s but is praised, with one some movie enthusiasts on social media noting she’s “stealing scenes again.” Her portrayal adds a grounded counterpoint to Kerr’s chaos, though critics suggest the script doesn’t fully flesh out her character’s complexity, making her role supportive rather than central.

Narrative and thematic strengths

The Smashing Machine is framed as a “laceratingly humane” sports biopic, focusing on Kerr’s personal battles, opioid addiction, strained relationships, and the toll of fame over conventional fight-night triumphs, drawing comparisons to other sports biopic. Critics notes its vérité-like collage style captures the rawness of the early UFC scene, but its uneven pacing and failure to deeply probe Kerr’s psyche prevent it from transcending genre clichés. Others, agree the narrative feels familiar and praise its radical empathy. Social media posts highlight the film’s emotional weight, calling it “a gritty love story disguised as a fight flick,” though some feel it lacks a knockout punch.

Conclusion

The film premiered at the 82nd Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025, earning a 15-minute standing ovation and a Golden Lion nomination, signaling strong audience and critical approval. However, reviews are mixed: Variety and Deadline laud its performances and atmosphere, while others critique its conventional structure and lack of narrative depth. On social media, reactions range from enthusiasm for Johnson’s transformation and Safdie’s vision to skepticism about its departure from A24’s typical edge, with some movie fans questioning if it’s “another Rock blockbuster in disguise.” The consensus suggests a bold, visually striking film that resonates emotionally but doesn’t fully escape biopic tropes.