Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine is based on the life of MMA pioneer Mark Kerr starring Dwayne Johnson in the lead role. This story is of the mixed martial arts fighter in the late ’90s where the audience learns about the success he is having in the U. S. and in Japan. The story does not only cover the battles he has in the ring, but also those bouts of discord with his live in partner Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt) who later becomes his wife. Both Johnson and Blunt are excellent in their performance of these characters. Fans of these two actors will be pleased with this portion of the film and perhaps not quite as thrilled with the other parts of the film. I know that is the case for me. I was not fully satisfied with what I had anticipated from this story, but enough to remain supportive of it.
The Smashing Machine is based on John Hyams’s 2002 documentary, The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. I have not yet viewed the documentary, but there may be more information there that might help some viewers enjoy Safdie’s film more fully. The champion travels to Japan where the Pride Fighting Championship takes place. Dawn tries to be a part of Kerr’s travel plans, is left behind and is not too pleased about being left out. He is trying to stay focused on the major fight at hand, and she can be disruptive, to say the least. Her behavior switches from supportive to insensitive which does not help him.
Kerr has a friend also in the MMA, Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader), also a trainer. They get along well and Kerr knows his friend is rising in the ranks. The two have a match at the Grand Prix that changes life as they have known it. Kerr does not handle some things well and he develops an addiction to painkillers and other drugs. Dawn is an enabler for this as well. When Kerr goes clean, Dawn does not stop her addictive habits, thus another clash.
Though Kerr has a physique that looks as if he can effortlessly take someone down at any given moment, the story shows the audience more of who the man is.
Safdie wrote, directed and edited The Smashing Machine. This film was at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will open nationwide on October 3, 2025. It is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language and drug abuse. 123 minutes long.
Source: A24
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