I want to start by saying that I have a strong connection to the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and wrestling worlds. I’ve coached athletes who have achieved great success, including winning NCAA National Championships, UFC Championships, and even Olympic gold medals. With this in mind, I approached the film “The Smashing Machine” with a critical and objective perspective.
“The Smashing Machine” is a 2025 American biographical sports drama film written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie. It is based on the 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” Dwayne Johnson stars as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, with Emily Blunt playing Kerr’s girlfriend. Ryan Bader takes on a significant supporting role as the legendary Mark Coleman. The film unfolds like a documentary drama and features impressive wrestling and MMA sequences, but it is much more than that.
The story explores the relational dynamics between Kerr and his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt. The screenplay, which is adapted from a book and prior documentary, effectively highlights the challenges of romantic relationships in high-level sports. I was once involved in a Kansas Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony and will always remember the wisdom shared by one of the inductees, a coach from Garden City, Kansas. When asked how he achieved such success, he replied, “I always told my boys to stay away from girls. They’re like vending machines; they take your money and don’t offer much of value in return. Focus on your career first before pursuing romantic relationships. You need to understand what is important to get to where you want to go.” This advice resonates throughout Mark Kerr’s journey.
The technical aspects of the film are outstanding, making it one of the best MMA and wrestling-themed movies ever made. From the cinematography to the storytelling and acting, “The Smashing Machine” excels. I would even argue that this is Dwayne Johnson’s best performance to date. He has physically bulked up and delivers a wide range of emotions and expressions. Although I doubt it will happen, he absolutely deserves consideration for an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
The film is rich with spiritual themes, addressing how to maintain healthy relationships, overcome obstacles, seek help, and accept the losses that life brings, whether in careers or relationships. At some point, everyone should recognize their calling and purpose in life. While shortcuts may be tempting, nothing replaces hard work, honesty, and sound decision-making.
Since this narrative touches upon much more than just fighting, some viewers may find parts of the movie a bit slow. However, I believe that these deeper aspects make it a film that resonates similarly to “Rocky,” as it encapsulates life in unexpected ways. The ending may differ from what some viewers anticipate, but it reflects the true story of Mark Kerr.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film because it candidly portrays both the good and bad moments in Mark Kerr’s life. He certainly had his flaws, but I appreciated the honest depiction of his journey. I think that MMA and wrestling fans will enjoy this movie, and I hope that those outside of these circles will give it a chance as well. It deserves recognition.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this isn’t a perfect movie, but it is very good, and I would rate it a 9. While there are a few minor areas for improvement, it stands out in a landscape with many films scoring 6 and below. This film is worth seeing, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
