Dwayne Johnson Delivers Career-Defining Performance in “The Smashing Machine,” Praised for Raw Portrayal of UFC Champion Mark Kerr

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is earning widespread acclaim for his transformative performance as two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s latest film, “The Smashing Machine.” The movie, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, delves into the complex and often brutal realities of Kerr’s life, both inside and outside the octagon, charting his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his relentless pursuit of reclaiming his former glory.

A Career-Peak Performance for Dwayne Johnson

Critics are hailing Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr as his career best, with many suggesting it could lead to awards recognition. “Johnson gives a performance of immense pathos, intensity and depth,” wrote The Independent, adding that it “looks bound to win him awards recognition.” The film’s director, Benny Safdie, known for his gritty, vérité-style filmmaking in “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems,” has guided Johnson to a more vulnerable and nuanced performance than audiences have typically seen from the action star. Johnson himself expressed a “burning desire” to take on more dramatic roles, noting the challenge of breaking out of a pigeonholed image. His portrayal of Kerr is praised for bridging the gap between the fighter’s intimidating in-ring persona and his insecure, wounded reality outside the cage. “Johnson is an ideal match for Safdie and the material,” noted Indiewire, highlighting his ability to embody the champion’s physicality and emotional depth.

The Turbulent Life of Mark Kerr

“The Smashing Machine” chronicles a pivotal period in Mark Kerr’s career, roughly from 1997 to 2000, a time marked by his battles with painkiller addiction. Kerr, who earned the moniker “The Smashing Machine” for his devastating fighting style, was a pioneer in the early days of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC. His career was characterized by brutal physicality and a relentless drive, but the intense demands of the sport, coupled with frequent travel to Japan for lucrative matches, took a significant toll. The film does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of Kerr’s life, including his reliance on opioids to manage physical and emotional pain, and the strain this placed on his relationship with his then-girlfriend, and later wife, Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt.

Critical Reception and Thematic Depth

While the film has received a largely positive reception, some reviews note potential screenplay weaknesses. “The screenplay is repetitive and frustrating,” commented one review, with another stating the movie “rarely finds itself breaking convention.” However, the consensus praises the film’s raw honesty and Safdie’s ability to balance the brutality of MMA with a humane narrative. Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader, who plays fellow fighter Mark Coleman, have also been commended for their strong supporting performances. The film’s quasi-documentary style and the inclusion of real-life MMA legends like Bas Rutten and Ryan Bader add to its authenticity.

Safdie’s directorial approach is noted for its intimate and gritty feel, focusing more on Kerr’s personal struggles than on elaborate fight sequences. The narrative explores Kerr’s journey of addiction and recovery, but notably avoids sensationalizing his downward spiral, instead focusing on the persistent question of “Now what?” after overcoming immediate challenges. This approach allows Johnson’s performance to shine, capturing the essence of a complex individual grappling with fame, personal demons, and the search for meaning beyond the roar of the crowd.

“The Smashing Machine” is poised to be a significant entry in the sports biopic genre, offering a compelling and unflinching look at a true sports icon. The movie is set to be released in the United States by A24 on October 3, 2025.