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The Smashing Machine
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Movie Details
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Videos & Photos
- Trailer 2 (02:30)
- Trailer 1 (02:30)
Movie Info & Cast
Synopsis
The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion, Mark Kerr.
Cast
- Dwayne Johnson
- Kenny Rice
- Jerin Valel
- Andre Tricoteux
- James McSweeney
- Jonathan Corbblah
- Ryan Bader
- Ilan Rosenberg
- Emily Blunt
- Bas Rutten
Moviegoers are saying
This A24-distributed biopic starring Dwayne Johnson as real-life fighter Mark Kerr divides audiences between those praising Johnson's career-best dramatic performance and Emily Blunt's emotionally complex portrayal, versus critics who find it intentionally distancing and anticlimactic. The film bookends UFC action with melancholic domestic drama exploring addiction and failure at the highest athletic levels, though many feel it spreads itself too thin across its ambitious themes.
Top Mentions
Summary generated from the text of Atom User reviews
Letterboxd User Reviews
3.2
336.1K
103.0K
75.7K
- Oct 2, 2025
love the part where he shaves his head and just turns into the rock again
benoftheweekOct 2, 2025The hierarchy of the A24 Universe is about to change…
Tyler JenningsSep 22, 2025Get yourself a girl who loves colors
Sophie Holsinger - Sep 1, 2025
the rock is evolving. he is now the boulder
timtamtitusOct 5, 2025The best ear makeup since lord of the rings
Patrick WillemsOct 8, 2025Can't tell whether the movie is intentionally distancing and anticlimactic, OR if it is just a boring script. Kind of a chore to sit through, unless you love UFC. I admire what it's trying to do, but I wish it tried a little harder.
Jake - Oct 2, 2025
Erm actually can you change my prescription to a stronger opioid this one is hurting my tummy 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 2025 Ranked Liat
DoodleBarb🎀Oct 5, 2025this is a movie about tummy aches
cerysOct 2, 2025Ahh okay I see, this is bookended by UFC stuff but spends a ton of time as a melancholic domestic drama that was definitely made by the Safdie brother who did The Curse lol. I didn’t hate it! Everything you could want a filmmaker to mine from this is in here somewhere, from…
Sydney🚀
Queue Community Reviews
83%
Community 5,135
Top Reviews
- Brutalist lovedThe Smashing Machine
If you are expecting a fighting film, this is not what it’s about. This film is literally spectating the life of Mark Kerr, this film is about accepting loss, this film is about life. It left me speechless, in all different sectors, I don’t even know where to start. The Rock… Dwayne, let me just…
Emma is "meh" onThe Smashing MachineI wanted to like it but it really felt like it lacked having any specific plot/arc/messaging. Like its based on his life/a true story….the story just isn’t all that interesting the way the movie tells it. Its well acted but the emotional beats and tone of the movie were not there
ADG likedThe Smashing MachineRock Oscar nom coming
- Jikitiz likedThe Smashing Machine
He didn't show up at Wrestlemania 41, and ultimately that's why I'm out
Carson Withers is "meh" onThe Smashing MachineEarly release screening. I denied to be interviewed for A24
Oakley Frank likedThe Smashing MachineI’m a sucker for these kind of stories… redemption arcs, hope, etc. I was right about the rock, if he locks in he is a good actor. Amazing performances all around. The fights feel like you’re sitting right there next to it! Had a great time watching it, felt real
- janekyllo dislikedThe Smashing Machine
i’m actually so mad at how bad this movie was
elisa likedThe Smashing Machineoh… this was so comforting to me, surprisingly. it felt like being a kid and watching my parents, my dad was a boxer and my mom was.. well, she was dawn. their dynamic was so MUCH but watching it all over again felt like nostalgia. even after my dad gave up fighting, i see so much of my life in…
MamaKizzle dislikedThe Smashing MachineThe Smashing Machine was a disappointing misfire. The acting felt oddly stiff and never really showcased what Dwayne Johnson or Emily Blunt are capable of; both are charismatic performers, but here they seemed boxed in by flat dialogue and thin character development. The score was just as awkward,…
Atom User Reviews
POPULAR TAGS
#truestory
#greatcast
#intense
#great
#mustsee
#original
#allthefeels
#epic
#indiehit
#inspiring
#mustseebro
#justokay
#datenight
#heartpounding
#leavekidsathome
#awardbuzz
#seeingitagain
#surprising
#actionpacked
Verified Review
Good story about a real fighter
AK
Anthony K
Verified Review
Not a great movie
AZ
Alexander Z
Metacritic
Oct 3, 2025
The emotional payoff of the film isn’t so much about triumph, but resilience. And the reality of never knowing how being yourself inspires others, even long after it might seem the opportunity to do so has passed.
Nicholas Bell
IONCINEMA.com
Sep 30, 2025
Not all the swings land in “The Smashing Machine.” Which is fine, given how hard Johnson hits (and gets hit) with this fascinating shift in his acting. Going to the mat here with the role of his life – so far at least – shows a performer whose true potential we're just now finally seeing.
Brian Truitt
USA Today
Sep 23, 2025
For audiences curious to know the ins and outs of the early days of MMA fighting, you'd be better served by watching the 2002 documentary. If, however, you're more curious about the people involved, and if you're someone who feels like either a winner or a loser (or, more to the point, both at once) in life's big match, then The Smashing Machine is for you.
Bill Bria
Slashfilm
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