Hollywood’s Latest Biopic Venture, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA pioneer Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt, has landed in theaters on October 3, 2025, marking a significant and highly anticipated release for the fall movie season. The film, directed by Benny Safdie, has already generated considerable buzz, earning critical praise for its gritty portrayal of Kerr’s turbulent life and Johnson’s transformative performance.
The Life and Struggles of ‘The Smashing Machine’
The biographical sports drama “The Smashing Machine” delves into the complex world of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler who rose to prominence in the nascent and brutal landscape of mixed martial arts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Based on the acclaimed 2002 documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” the film chronicles Kerr’s journey through his career peaks, his battles with addiction, severe injuries, and the demanding personal relationships that shaped his life. Johnson, who also served as a producer, has spoken of a profound connection to Kerr’s story, seeing “real connective tissue” between his own life and the fighter’s struggles, which led him to pursue the rights for the film over five years ago.
A Director’s Vision and Innovative Production
Benny Safdie, known for his raw and unflinching directorial style in films like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time,” helmed “The Smashing Machine.” His approach aims to provide an authentic, almost documentary-like feel, eschewing typical sports biopic conventions for a more intimate and unvarnished look at his subject. The production itself embraced innovative techniques, with director Safdie utilizing a mix of VHS, 16mm, and 65mm film formats to capture different emotional states and eras, enhancing the film’s gritty realism and immersive quality. Principal photography took place across various international locations, including New Mexico, Vancouver, and Tokyo, aiming to authentically recreate the global arenas of Kerr’s career.
Star Power: Johnson and Blunt’s Career-Defining Roles
Dwayne Johnson undergoes a significant physical and emotional transformation for his role as Mark Kerr, shedding his typical action-hero persona to embody the fighter with “immense pathos, intensity and depth”. Reports indicate Johnson gained considerable weight and spent hours in prosthetics to accurately portray Kerr, a performance many critics are calling his career-best and a potential Oscar contender. Emily Blunt stars opposite Johnson as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then-wife. Blunt’s performance has also drawn significant praise for bringing complexity and nuance to a character that could have been a cliché “difficult partner,” showcasing a volatile yet compelling dynamic with Johnson’s Kerr. Their on-screen chemistry, previously glimpsed in “Jungle Cruise,” is described as having ignited into a “roaring inferno”.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition
“The Smashing Machine” premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where Benny Safdie was awarded the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Director. The film subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival before its wider release. Initial reviews have been largely positive, with critics highlighting Johnson’s “revelatory” performance and the film’s departure from formulaic sports narratives. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 74% approval rating based on 163 critics’ reviews, with the consensus noting Johnson’s transformative turn. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 68 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.
The Hype Surrounding a New Hollywood Release
The movie’s October 3rd release date has been a focal point of anticipation within the film industry, with news outlets tracking the growing hype. The film’s ability to blend intense fight sequences with a raw, human drama exploring addiction and relationship struggles positions it as a standout release. Supporting cast members include real-life fighters such as Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten, who add an extra layer of authenticity to the film’s depiction of the MMA world. The critical and audience reception thus far suggests “The Smashing Machine” is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, offering a profound character study alongside its action-packed narrative.
