Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut, The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed martial arts (MMA) pioneer Mark Kerr, has been released to both critical anticipation and scrutiny. The A24 production, based on John Hyams’s 2002 documentary of the same name, explores Kerr’s rise in the late 1990s MMA, his struggle with addiction, and the personal battles that defined his career.
The film, rated R for language and some drug abuse, runs for 123 minutes and has received a two-and-a-half-star rating out of four.
Safdie, known for his unsettling collaborations with his brother Josh in films such as Uncut Gems, approaches Kerr’s story with a more conventional style. Despite its gritty VHS-like aesthetics, critics note that The Smashing Machine is “a surprisingly conventional and oddly untroubled movie,” offering less intensity than many expected.
Johnson’s performance has been singled out as one of the highlights of the film. Shedding much of his trademark screen charisma, Johnson transforms into Kerr with a subdued presence. His portrayal has been described as earnest and deeply committed, moving away from his larger-than-life wrestling and action star persona.
In the opening of the film, Kerr reflects on the dominance he feels in the ring, declaring that an opponent’s fear can be detected: “You can smell in their scent.” Early victories feed his belief in invincibility, but the story soon turns as he suffers a controversial setback in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championship. Although the match is officially declared a tie, the sting of defeat lingers.
Beyond the ring, the narrative centers on Kerr’s dependence on opioids and his turbulent marriage with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Their relationship is portrayed as both supportive and confrontational, marked by frequent conflicts. At one point, Kerr confronts her directly, saying, “Treat me like a man.”
The film also highlights Kerr’s friendship and rivalry with trainer and fellow fighter Mark Coleman, portrayed by former Bellator champion Ryan Bader. Bader’s inclusion, along with Johnson’s own proximity to combat sports, contributes to the documentary-like feel of the film.
While Johnson’s performance has been praised as among his finest, the film itself has been critiqued for avoiding deeper exploration of MMA’s violent world. Critics argue that instead of grappling with the brutality of the sport and its consequences, it settles for “a blander appreciation of these MMA combatants.”
Despite these criticisms, what resonates strongly is the portrayal of Kerr as a man confronting vulnerability. The film presents him not only as a dominant figure in the ring but also as someone learning to live with defeat.
The Smashing Machine is currently in release under A24.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
