Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, once best known for his charisma in the wrestling ring, has long been a fixture in Hollywood’s action blockbuster scene. But with his latest role in The Smashing Machine, Johnson is stepping into uncharted territory—and it’s turning heads in both the sports and film worlds. The film, which chronicles the turbulent life of MMA legend Mark Kerr, is sparking conversations about athletic sacrifice, addiction, and the limits of personal transformation—both onscreen and off.
Premiering at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, The Smashing Machine has already made waves, clinching the prestigious Silver Lion award and earning early praise from critics and fans alike. The buzz isn’t just about the film’s technical prowess or its raw depiction of the MMA subculture. Instead, much of the excitement centers on Johnson’s own transformation. For years, he’s been labeled a one-dimensional actor, often cast as the affable tough guy. But as Mark Kerr—a man wrestling with inner demons as much as opponents in the ring—Johnson delivers a performance that’s both physically demanding and emotionally layered.
According to a review from Townsquare Media, Johnson’s personal connection to the story is palpable. Before his Hollywood days, he was “The Rock,” a third-generation pro wrestler whose family legacy in the sport exposed him to the punishing toll it takes on both body and spirit. This background seems to inform his portrayal of Kerr, a fighter who endured grueling training, torturous diets, and a harrowing struggle with addiction just to chase the fleeting thrill of victory. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the reality behind the spectacle—Kerr’s battles with substance abuse and a toxic relationship with his girlfriend Dawn, played by Emily Blunt, are front and center.
Director Benny Safdie, making his solo debut after co-creating acclaimed thrillers like Good Time and Uncut Gems, brings his signature sense of urgency and emotional intensity to the project. Yet, as some critics note, The Smashing Machine doesn’t always land the knockout punch. While Johnson’s physical transformation—complete with prosthetics, a wig, and a carefully crafted accent—makes for a convincing depiction of Kerr (who was in his early 30s during the depicted events, while Johnson is 53), the film’s relentless focus on personal hardships sometimes leaves viewers longing for a deeper exploration of what drives its characters. “Where The Smashing Machine falters is in using that persuasive performance to say anything beyond the notion that pro athletes suffer terrible hardships that fans never see and rarely consider,” writes Townsquare Media.
Still, there’s no denying the technical achievements on display. Johnson’s decades of wrestling experience lend authenticity to the film’s MMA sequences, and Safdie’s direction immerses viewers in the chaos and pain of the fight world. The movie, based in part on the 2002 documentary of the same name by John Hyams, draws heavily from real-life events—sometimes even recreating specific shots and dialogue from the original film. For MMA fans familiar with Kerr’s story, this approach offers a powerful sense of déjà vu, while newcomers are introduced to the brutal realities of a sport that often leaves its heroes battered and broke.
One particularly poignant moment in the film sees Kerr begging a Japanese promoter to pay him the few thousand dollars he’s owed, only to be brushed off. It’s a stark reminder that, for many fighters, the glory of the ring comes at a steep personal and financial cost. Outside the ring, Kerr’s kindness contrasts sharply with his ferocity during competition—after knocking out an opponent, his first instinct is to check on their well-being. This duality lies at the heart of the film and of Johnson’s performance, which has some critics and fans wondering: Could this be the role that finally lands The Rock an Oscar nomination?
Of course, The Smashing Machine isn’t the only film exploring the world of mixed martial arts. For those inspired by Johnson’s latest turn, there’s a wealth of other MMA movies that delve into themes of perseverance, redemption, and the price of ambition. Among the standouts is The Hammer (2010), which tells the true story of Matt Hamill, a deaf fighter who overcame discrimination to succeed in the sport. Director Oren Kaplan’s emotionally charged film, anchored by a standout performance from Russell Harvard, dramatizes both the agony and the triumph of breaking through barriers.
Other notable entries include Fight Valley (2016), which features real-life fighters Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg in a gritty tale of revenge and empowerment; Redbelt (2008), starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as a jiu-jitsu instructor torn between honor and financial survival; and Bruised (2020), Halle Berry’s directorial debut, where she also stars as a former MMA champion seeking redemption as both a fighter and a mother. Berry’s work in Bruised earned her nominations for Outstanding Director at the Black Reel Awards and Best First Feature at the Saturn Awards—a testament to the genre’s ability to attract top-tier talent.
For those craving high-stakes action, Sixty Minutes (2024) offers a Hitchcockian race against time, as a fighter must choose between a career-defining bout and his daughter’s birthday party, while Warrior (2011) pits two estranged brothers against each other in a tournament called Sparta, blending family drama with bone-crunching competition. Nick Nolte’s performance as the brothers’ troubled father even earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Other films, like Embattled (2020), Perfect Addiction (2023), Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006), and Born a Champion (2020), each offer their own unique perspectives on the MMA world—exploring everything from toxic masculinity and family conflict to betrayal and the relentless pursuit of personal peace. These stories, much like The Smashing Machine, remind viewers that the most compelling battles often take place far from the spotlight.
While The Smashing Machine may not deliver a perfect knockout, it certainly lands its share of powerful blows. With Johnson’s transformative performance at its core and a director unafraid to dive into the sport’s darker corners, the film stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by athletes and the complexities that drive them. Whether or not it brings Johnson Oscar gold, it’s sure to leave audiences with a deeper appreciation for the men and women who step into the ring—win or lose.
