The Smashing Machine Trailer, Fun Facts & Review
The Smashing Machine Synopsis:
"The Smashing Machine" features Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, exploring his incredible success as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and his personal struggles outside the ring. The movie is anticipated to depict the emotional and physical challenges of a rigorous sport, highlighting Kerr's battles with addiction, his recovery process, and his unwavering struggle to maintain his professional and personal life.
Genre: Drama, Sports, biography
Release Date: In theaters October 3rd, 2025
The Smashing Machine Fun Facts:
Dwayne Johnson's Dramatic Transformation:
Dwayne Johnson undergoes a major physical transformation to portray Mark Kerr, the real-life UFC and MMA legend. He even wears facial prosthetics and a wig to look more like Kerr.
Based on a True Story (and a Documentary):
The movie is a sports drama that tells the true story of Mark Kerr, who was featured in a highly praised HBO documentary from 2002 with the same title, "The Smashing Machine." This movie explores Kerr's remarkable achievements, his struggles with addiction to painkillers, and the challenging dynamics in his personal relationships.
A "Jungle Cruise" Reunion:
Emily Blunt plays the role of Dawn Staples, who is the former wife of Kerr, alongside Dwayne Johnson. This movie reunites the two actors, as they both worked together previously in Disney's movie "Jungle Cruise."
Directed by Benny Safdie:
The movie is written and directed by Benny Safdie, who is well-known for directing the powerful and highly praised movie "Uncut Gems." This indicates a deeper and more authentic representation of Kerr's life that goes beyond the usual sports drama.
Real-Life Fighters and Boxers:
To add to the authenticity, the movie features real-life fighters and boxers, including Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn, MMA legend Bas Rutten as himself, and Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman.
Struggle with Painkiller Addiction:
The movie showcases Kerr's struggle with painkiller addiction, a crucial element of his real-life story. The original documentary even showcased graphic scenes of Kerr injecting drugs with needles.
Dynamic Relationships:
The movie also explores the complicated and troubling relationship between Mark Kerr and Dawn Staples, highlighting their struggles with addiction.
Filming Locations:
The movie was shot in multiple locations, including New Mexico, Tokyo, and Vancouver, with the goal of showcasing genuine settings of Kerr's journey.
The Smashing Machine Review:
The Smashing Machine is not just a typical sports biography; it serves as a powerful exploration of a man overwhelmed by the brutality of the sport he excels in. Inspired by the journey of groundbreaking mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark Kerr, the story unfolds during the chaotic and unregulated period of the late 1990s. In his first solo directorial debut, Safdie presents a raw, documentary-style visual experience, yet the film's true impact relies heavily on the stunning performance from Dwayne Johnson, who fully immerses himself in the role of the troubled fighter.
Johnson undergoes an impressive transformation physically and emotionally to portray Kerr. Using facial prosthetics and adopting a notably restrained attitude, he portrays the complexity of a man known as "The Smashing Machine," a gentle and soft-spoken giant outside the ring who transforms into a fearsome competitor inside. The film effectively showcases how being indestructible in the ring came with a heavy price, revealing Kerr's severe dependence on pain medication.
Safdie brings a sense of realism to this film by intentionally using a 16mm and VHS style to pull the audience into this time period. Rather than celebrating the fight scenes, Safdie frequently captures the brutal matches from a distance or through the ropes, compelling viewers to focus on the impact of the violence instead of the excitement. The storyline also does not shy away from Kerr’s damaging, dependent relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt). Even though Blunt gives a strong performance, her character often feels underdeveloped and mainly highlights Kerr's downfall.
In the end, the film does a great job of highlighting Dwayne Johnson's acting range and as a representation of the savage fighting scene of the late 1990s. However, due to its dedication to authenticity and its decision to avoid the typical “rise, fall, and triumph” storyline, the movie sometimes loses its way, straying from the clear storytelling. However, it offers a sincere and difficult view of a fearsome competitor inside and outside the ring.