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Dwayne Johnson’s MMA Turn: Critics Split on ‘The Smashing Machine’ at TIFF
When Dwayne Johnson stepped into the ring as mixed‑martial‑arts legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing MachineToronto, the film world got a jolt. The biopic debuted at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, drawing a standing‑room‑only audience on September 12, 2025. Directed by Benny Safdie and released by A24, the nearly two‑hour drama pulls no punches in portraying the brutal early days of mixed martial arts, a period when safety rules were little more than suggestions.
- Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival, September 12, 2025
- Lead: Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
- Director: Benny Safdie (solo effort, not a Safdie Brothers project)
- Co‑star: Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
- Distributor: A24
Premiere and Immediate Reactions
The opening night buzz was equal parts awe and discomfort. Reviewers described the fight sequences as “bone‑crackingly realistic,” a testament to the sound design that made many audience members wince. One critic admitted they had to look away twice during a cage‑fight segment, underscoring how the film’s visceral approach can be a double‑edged sword for viewers seeking both drama and a tolerable viewing experience.
Dwayne Johnson’s Dramatic Turn
Johnson, long celebrated for his blockbuster‑type muscle and humor, surprised many by shedding his usual swagger for a raw, vulnerable Kerr. YouTube commentators have already likened his performance to Eddie Murphy’s Oscar‑nominated swing in Dreamgirls, noting that the actor is wrestling—literally and figuratively—with a persona that diverges sharply from his commercial brand. In an interview posted after TIFF, Johnson said, “I wanted to explore a man whose armor was his body, not his fame.” That line resonated with viewers who felt the performance added layers to a star often typecast as pure action.
Directorial Choices and the Brutality of Early MMA
Safdie’s decision to foreground the sport’s unsanctioned nature manifested in both visual and auditory choices. The camera often lingered on bruised knuckles, while the soundtrack amplified each impact with a metallic clang that could be heard even in the back rows. Some reviewers praised this as “unflinching realism,” while others argued it tipped into gratuitous gore. The film also spends ample time on Kerr’s personal life—especially his relationship with wife Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt—but the narrative wobble around her character left critics divided.
Critical Divide: Praise vs. Critique
Scott Mendelson, writing on his Substack, was unapologetically harsh. He called the movie “less a feature film and more a series of almost standalone Oscar clips for an underdog sports drama,” arguing that the film kept only highlight‑reel moments and discarded anything that resembled a traditional plot. Mendelson also took aim at Blunt’s performance, likening it to a sketch from Saturday Night Live rather than a fully fleshed‑out character.
Conversely, an IMDB reviewer going by Artem81 gave the film a perfect 10/10, calling it “an intense character study filled with grit, heart, and unforgettable performances.” Artem81 highlighted the authenticity of the training montages and the emotional depth of the locker‑room dialogues, though even this glowing review conceded that the biopic’s structure felt “predictably formulaic.”
Tyler Whitmore on Letterboxd slammed the cinematography as “stale and underwhelming,” suggesting that any other fighting film would out‑shine its visual language. The consensus seems to be that while individual scenes sparkle—especially those featuring Johnson and Blunt—the surrounding narrative fabric feels thin, as if the film were assembled from a trailer’s worth of highlight reels.
Potential Awards and Industry Impact
The chatter around Oscar consideration for Johnson has grown louder each week. If the Academy takes note, it would mark a rare instance of a traditionally action‑oriented star breaking into best‑actor territory. Film analysts point out that the academy has leaned toward transformative performances in recent years, citing titles like Joker and Moonlight. Whether Johnson fits that mold remains an open question, but his willingness to tackle a physically demanding, emotionally fraught role could set a precedent for other blockbuster actors seeking critical legitimacy.
Background on Mark Kerr and Early MMA
Mark Kerr, a real‑life UFC pioneer, rose to fame in the late 1990s when mixed martial arts operated in a legal gray zone. Fighters often competed in makeshift cages with minimal medical oversight, leading to frequent injuries and, at times, career‑ending trauma. The film’s depiction of these conditions aligns with historical accounts of organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship before the adoption of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts in 2000. By tying Kerr’s personal decline to the sport’s growing pains, Safdie attempts to paint a larger picture about athlete safety—an issue still relevant in today’s combat‑sports conversations.
What’s Next for the Film?
A24 plans a wide theatrical rollout beginning October 15, 2025, with a simultaneous launch on its streaming platform the following month. Early box‑office analysts predict a modest opening, bolstered primarily by Johnson’s fan base and the film’s awards‑season buzz. Meanwhile, the distribution plan includes a limited‑run AR‑enabled experience, allowing viewers to feel the “impact” of punches through haptic feedback—a nod to the film’s obsession with sensory realism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dwayne Johnson’s performance differ from his usual roles?
Instead of the charismatic hero or comic relief, Johnson portrays a deeply flawed athlete battling addiction, injury, and personal loss. Critics note his use of subtle facial expressions and physical vulnerability, which marks a clear departure from his typical action‑heavy persona.
Why is the film’s violence considered both a strength and a weakness?
The unflinching fight scenes immerse viewers in the early‑MMA world, earning praise for realism. However, some audience members find the graphic nature overwhelming, claiming it distracts from the story’s emotional core.
What are the chances of an Oscar nomination for Johnson?
Industry buzz is strong, especially after early festival screenings. While the film’s mixed reviews could hinder its awards trajectory, Johnson’s transformative turn aligns with recent Oscar trends favoring dramatic pivots.
How accurately does the film depict early mixed martial arts?
The film draws on historical accounts of the 1990s UFC scene, emphasizing lax regulations, makeshift cages, and the physical toll on fighters. Experts say while some dramatization exists, the overall portrayal of safety gaps is spot‑on.
What role does Emily Blunt play, and how is her performance received?
Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, offering a window into the personal costs of the sport. Reviews are split: some praise her chemistry with Johnson, while others, like Mendelson, deem the character under‑developed, likening it to a sitcom trope.
