‘The Smashing Machine’ Review – Dwayne Johnson Delivers A Rock-Solid Performance

Synopsis: The story of legendary mixed martial arts & UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

It takes a special mindset and drive to make it into professional sports, let alone thrive in them. It’s especially impressive when it’s a collision or combat sport, as it takes a different toll on your body than other sports. Some say you have to be a little crazy, and there may be some truth to that. Telling yourself you’re the best when competing but the worst when training, and truly believing it, probably does a number on your psyche over time. To reach these heights, it takes singular focus, hard work, and, most of all, sacrifice. Sacrifice comes in many forms, and in some cases, it leaves people behind. The path is difficult, but the destination, the top, is even more so.

“I’ve never lost a fight.”

When you’ve spent your entire life winning and doing it a specific way, how do you bounce back from a devastating loss? What becomes of your mental state, your image, and your relationships? Written and directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine is a humbling character study of a battle-tested titan. Based on the 2002 documentary of the same name, this eye-opening emotional journey is an exploration of adversity, mental fortitude, recovery, toxic magnetism, and the beginnings of a billion-dollar sports industry. Impressing with its vintage aesthetic and jazzy trance-like score, the film serves as both recognition and reverence for Hall of Fame athlete Mark Kerr, and the reintroduction of blockbuster star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Furthermore, alongside a stunning outing by Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson delivers a rock-solid performance in a career-rejuvenating role.

Taking place from 1997 to 2000, during the early years of the UFC and Pride Fighting Championships, the film opens to a scene of controlled chaos as we see a muscle-bound Mark Kerr doing what he does best. It’s not long before we encounter those who mean the most to him in life, all while getting a glimpse of the tone and what to expect the rest of the movie. It highlights Kerr’s tender soul outside of the ring, his love of the high, and his complicated relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn. Unfortunately, when too much of a good thing becomes a detriment, the 1992 collegiate wrestling champion’s world begins to unravel. What initially seemed like a story of unmatched dominance becomes one of perseverance, passion, and devotion.

“There’s no other high like it in the world.”

This performance-driven narrative facilitates powerful and memorable scenes. As Kerr pays for some missteps, Johnson displays a vulnerable side that he has yet to unleash on screen. The choreography of the action scenes feels organic and uninterrupted, captured through dynamic camerawork that immerses the viewer in a ringside perspective. However, they are rather short-lived. Speaking of shortcomings, instead of a streamlined story, the film unfolds as if it’s someone recalling the most pivotal moments of their life. It works for a while, but ultimately distracts from the journey and leaves questions unanswered. At times, it feels as if there is an internal struggle between wanting to be something like action-focused Creed or the anxiety-ridden Uncut Gems. Fortunately, the performances are strong and the script is well-written. With its score and sound design, along with the overall visual appeal, this is definitely a film to see in theaters. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

The film immediately thrusts the audience into the violent, high-stakes chess match of mixed martial arts, maintaining a captivating and brisk pace as it hops around its timeline. What pops is Dwayne Johnson’s performance. After witnessing him essentially being a superhuman in every movie, it’s refreshing to see him in a grounded and somewhat relatable role.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk

This is Dwayne Johnson like you’ve never seen him. Having to embrace the sensitivity and tenderness of the UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr, Johnson leans into a vulnerable side of himself that has never been seen on the big screen. Even with him being physically the most brolic he’s ever been, he’s able to become the smallest person in the room emotionally. In a way, playing Kerr seems to have allowed the WWE Final Boss to feel comfortable in his own skin. Unfortunately, his accent slips in and out a few times, but not enough to turn you off. The chemistry with Emily Blunt as the girlfriend, Dawn, is impassioned, explosive, and effortless. Dawn loves hard and is willing to sacrifice, but together, they form a toxic storm of fervent dysfunction. Blunt flexes her Academy Award-nominated skills and steals almost every scene that she’s in. Ryan Bader, as Mark Coleman, is initially a bit stiff; however, his performance loosens up as the film progresses. And it should come as no surprise that his fight scenes are incredibly fluid.

The Smashing Machine ground and pounds its way into theaters on October 3, 2025. Stay safe and stay clean.

Rated: R Runtime: 2h 3m Director: Benny Safdie Writer: Benny Safdie Producers: Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, David Koplan Director of Photography: Maceo Bishop Production Design: James Chinlund Editing: Benny Safdie Costume Design: Heidi Bivens Music: Nala Sinephro Casting: Jennifer Venditti, CSA Prosthetic Designer: Kazu Hiro