Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Opens in Theaters With Early Praise for a Transformative Turn
Critics highlight Benny Safdie’s empathetic approach that reframes an MMA icon’s public ferocity as a deeply human portrait.
Overview
- Dwayne Johnson portrays former mixed martial artist Mark Kerr in a new theatrical biopic directed by Benny Safdie.
- The film centers on addiction, injury and emotional strain within the precarious early era of MMA and pre-boom UFC.
- Johnson has described Safdie’s guiding concept as “radical empathy,” aiming to humanize a seemingly invincible athlete.
- Early reviews commend Johnson’s physically altered performance, noting extensive prosthetics and an unusually vulnerable register.
- Emily Blunt co-stars in a key supporting role, and some coverage suggests the film could figure in awards-season discussions.