Movie Review: The Smashing Machine

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is a force to be reckoned with, both in the wrestling ring and in Hollywood. Now, with his latest project The Smashing Machine, the global superstar gets the rare opportunity to merge two of his greatest passions—professional wrestling and acting—as he steps into the battered, complex shoes of Mark Kerr, a former champion wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter whose life was as intense outside the ring as it was inside.

Written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine is a raw, emotionally charged biographical sports drama that doesn’t pull any punches. Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is a career-defining performance—one that digs beneath the surface of strength to reveal a man haunted by addiction, identity, and the pressure to survive in a sport that demands everything.

Emily Blunt stars alongside Johnson as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-wife, bringing emotional resonance and chemistry to the film’s more intimate moments. The supporting cast—featuring real-life fighters Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk—adds authenticity and grit to the world of early MMA.

Safdie’s direction is characteristically unflinching. He captures the chaos and violence of no-holds-barred fighting while also crafting a tender, tragic portrait of a man coming undone. The fight scenes are visceral, but the emotional core is just as powerful, anchored by Johnson’s surprising vulnerability and commitment to the role.

The Smashing Machine is more than just a sports biopic. It’s a brutally honest look at fame, masculinity, and the physical and emotional toll of living life on the edge. With a powerhouse performance from Johnson and Safdie’s kinetic filmmaking, this is one of 2025’s most anticipated and likely most unforgettable films.

Releases October 3, 2025, A24