Overview

• Fresh reviews praise Johnson’s career-shifting performance as MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, with some critics reserving judgment on the film’s emotional reach.
• Writer-director Benny Safdie’s solo feature arrives with festival momentum after winning the Silver Lion for best director at Venice.
• Johnson details gaining roughly 30 pounds and using Kazu Hiro’s facial prosthetics and hairpiece to mirror Kerr’s look and physicality.
• Preparation emphasized authenticity through training with Kerr and appearances by real fighters, including Bas Rutten and Ryan Bader.
• A24 releases the film in theaters on Oct. 3, as awards chatter grows around Johnson’s work despite mixed notes on narrative depth.