SPOILER-FREE PLOT SUMMARY
During the early years of mixed martial arts, former collegiate wrestler Mark Kerr (played by Dwayne Johnson) decides to try his hand at MMA for the first time. He goes onto build an impressive career during the sports’ infancy but, as he goes along, he finds that he needs to keep ramping up his prescribed injection medication in order to deal with the physical pain on a daily basis. This starts to impact his relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt) who appears to be selfless in her attempts to help but slowly realizes that she only feels value when she’s taking care of him. She eventually finds him unconscious and 911 is called, leading to his entering a rehab clinic. Meanwhile, Kerr’s recovery process prevents him from returning to Japan to compete in a Pride FC tournament, a staple of his career, and questions begin to surface as to whether or not his best days are behind him. And, if they are, is he able to deal with that new reality without the comfort of the drugs he once used to cope.
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
For almost two decades, Johnson has basically played himself in movies. Sometimes it’s extremely likable (JUNGLE CRUISE, RED ONE) while others have been borderline unwatchable (SKYSCRAPER, BLACK ADAM) but, either way, it’s the same look, the same voice and the same delivery. In THE SMASHING MACHINE, he has control, depth and a more diverse acting range than anything he’s shown us before. One can only hope he’ll start to challenge himself with more roles out of his comfort zone because, clearly, he’s able to rise to the occasion.
On top of that, he hasn’t exactly picked top quality live action projects either. Put another way, he doesn’t have a track record of award-worthy films. So, not only does Johnson impress here but it’s a welcome change to say that the movie is among the year’s best so far.
But the impressiveness isn’t limited to Johnson. Blunt nearly stole OPPENHEIMER and, now, she nearly steals THE SMASHING MACHINE. Her ability to present a steadfast, loyal partner while letting the armor slowly chip away throughout the film to reveal who her character really is is truly remarkable.
Not to be outdone is the director, Benny Safdie. His choice of shooting it with a documentary-look, hand held camera style, only helps the audience believe they’re watching archive footage as opposed to a retelling of this true story. His technique is very much a character in this movie because it helps the audience suspend belief and really buy into a specific feel early on.
Come for the fighting but stay for an incredible look into addiction and enabling. Plenty of people will see themselves in one of these characters and, quite honestly, I’m not sure if that’s a triumph of the film or a sad commentary on our society. Perhaps both. Regardless, the relatability will only endure itself to audiences everywhere.
Don’t be surprised if Johnson and Blunt get some love during award season. THE SMASHING MACHINE is just a damn good film, with damn good performances and should not to be missed.
JKG SCORE: 8.0
Untitled Film Project 