The Smashing Machine is one of the many fighter biopics to have come out in the last years. We're getting used to the scheme: the hero needs to fight in and out of the ring, to keep his reputation, family, and health together. The Smashing Machine is not a groundbreaking story, but if A24 and Benny Safdie work on it, you better pay attention.
The Smashing Machine feels fresh without trying too hard. The movie flows naturally, the direction and photography are organic to every scene. The pace is immersive just like in Good Time and Uncut Gems. Mike Kerr's story is simply well told, it's credible, it's relatable.
The score of the movie deserves a few words. The choice of using jazz during the MMA fights is an unexpected match. Its unpredictable twists and sudden percussions perfectly reflect the art of MMA while giving it more grace than we are used to seeing it depicted with.
But the cake goes to the incredible performance of Dwayne Johnson, who disappears behind his character. Apart from the physical modifications required for the role, he manages to be touching and even moving. He is credible, he feels vulnerable. A masterful work. The relationship scenes with the girlfriend (Emily Blunt) are some of the most credible and nerve wracking couple disagreements seen on the big screen.
The Smashing Machine might not be a story of particular interest for many, but when a movie is so tastefully and masterfully executed, we can only be grateful to witness it.
