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8h ago

‘The Smashing Machine’ Enters Theaters With Career-Best Turn From Dwayne Johnson

Festival-lauded MMA biopic showcases vérité grit, real fighters, plus Kazu Hiro prosthetics to frame what many call Johnson’s reinvention.

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in “Smashing Machine.”
Emily Blunt, right, and Dwayne Johnson in a scene from “The Smashing Machine.”
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Director Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson on set for the filming of “Smashing Machine.”

Overview

  • The A24 release expands to theaters on Oct. 3 after Venice and Toronto festival stops, with a 123‑minute runtime.
  • Early reviews single out Johnson’s transformative portrayal of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, positioning the performance for awards consideration.
  • Critics describe Benny Safdie’s solo feature as a low-key, cinéma-vérité character study, with some calling the screenplay meandering or underpowered.
  • Emily Blunt’s performance as Dawn receives mixed reactions, while real MMA champion Ryan Bader draws strong notices as Mark Coleman.
  • Reviewers note the production’s authenticity, citing Kazu Hiro’s prosthetic work, the use of actual fighters, and Safdie’s Silver Lion win at Venice.