Dwayne Johnson is garnering extensive acclaim for his performance in the recently-released biographical sports drama, “The Smashing Machine,” which was directed by Benny Safdie.
The movie narrates the life story of UFC icon Mark Kerr, famously called “The Smashing Machine.” In this production, Emily Blunt portrays his wife, Dawn Staples. Johnson, often associated with action-packed box office hits, delves into a more somber and emotional character in this film, which critics suggest could be a significant milestone in his acting career.
The film chronicles Kerr’s journey from UFC and Pride Fighting Championships success to his battles with substance abuse and emotional turmoil. Johnson dedicated great effort to capturing both the athletic prowess and emotional depth of this two-time UFC Heavyweight titleholder.
This ensemble boasts Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Lyndsey Gavin, and Oleksandr Usyk, plus other genuine fighters portrayed by actors like James Moontasri and Satoshi Ishii.
Can’t wait to unveil the authentic trailer for Benny Safdie’s film, “THE SMASHING MACHINE”, featuring none other than Dwayne Johnson and the esteemed Emily Blunt who received an Academy Award nomination. Catch it in cinemas on October 3rd.
— WWE (@WWE) April 29, 2025
Critics at the Venice Film Festival, where “The Smashing Machine” made its debut in the main competition of the 82nd event, have applauded Johnson’s performance. According to The Independent, they stated that “The Smashing Machine doesn’t offer the expected thrills from typical sports movies, but this is the most authentic and exposed Johnson has ever appeared on screen.
The Daily Telegraph praised the film’s distinct aesthetic, noting that “Maceo Bishop’s agile cinematography carries the raw and gritty feel of a classic muscle movie… while Nala Sinephro’s score features swirling harps and sultry saxophones. Surprisingly fitting for Kerr’s fights.
Additionally, Variety commended Johnson for his exceptional portrayal of Mark, as he appears almost unrecognizable. “Johnson masterfully infuses the enigmatic, somber aspects of Mark with an air of mystery. His performance is nothing short of extraordinary… The film revolves around how this mechanical man evolves into a true human being.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson’s performance in this role is similar to Mickey Rourke’s in “The Wrestler”. He masterfully dives deep without becoming excessive, leaving the audience moved rather than overwhelmed, as he portrays a kindly warrior who endures from one scene to the next. His acting offers a captivating blend of blood, sweat, tears, protein shake, and utter powerlessness.
A24 is set to launch the movie across the USA on October 3, 2025. So far, it’s garnered a 89% positive reception from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 18 reviews, indicating high levels of critical acclaim.
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2025-09-02 12:15