The Smashing Machine
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- 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 true story biopic showcases what many consider Dwayne Johnson's most Oscar-worthy performance alongside Emily Blunt in an emotionally complex portrayal of fighter Kerr. Despite mixed ratings averaging 4.6/10, audiences are captivated by the raw emotional depth and toxic relationship dynamics that keep viewers hooked, even when the unconventional ending divides opinion.
Top Mentions
Summary generated from the text of Atom User reviews
Letterboxd User Reviews
3.2
410.2K
112.9K
89.3K
- Oct 2, 2025
The hierarchy of the A24 Universe is about to change…
Tyler JenningsSep 22, 2025Get yourself a girl who loves colors
Sophie HolsingerMay 5, 2026the rock is evolving. he is now the boulder
timtamtitus - Oct 5, 2025
The best ear makeup since lord of the rings
Patrick WillemsOct 2, 2025Erm actually can you change my prescription to a stronger opioid this one is hurting my tummy 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 2025 Ranked Liat
DoodleBarb🎀Oct 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 5, 2025
this 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🚀Oct 1, 2025John Cena killing it with Peacemaker, The Rock reviving his career with this… I just know Vince McMahon is proud in his jail cell rn
thenotoriousjac
Queue Community Reviews
81%
Community 6,478
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
- NathanDirector lovedThe Smashing Machine
Rating: 7/10 ⭐️ I expected a glossy Dwayne Johnson movie, but this gritty look at addiction totally caught me off guard. What Worked: Shooting on 16mm gives the fights a raw, late-90s texture. Johnson delivers the most stripped-down performance of his career. Through my Methodist faith lens,…
Jikitiz likedThe Smashing MachineHe 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
- Trey likedThe Smashing Machine
Very great story with an ending you won’t predict
Cami likedThe Smashing MachineMe gustó, no pensé q me fuera a parecer interesante o no hacerme muy pesada , la historia interesante pero nada del otro mundo, lo q más destaco es si el maquillaje y personificación y construcción de la roca , me pareció súper bien, mejor que otros q si estan nominados a premios
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
Atom Users Reviews
POPULAR TAGS
Reviews
- AKAnthony Kolenda
Good story about a real fighter
AZA ZNot a great movie
AMAkhila MasarapuGreat performance by Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Their toxic relationship was uncomfortable to watch but kept you hooked.
- JHJohn Hutton
Ending was kinda weird, but I truly believe this might be Dwayne Johnson’s first shot at a potential Oscar! Absolutely superb!!
ESEsai SalinasMovie ropes me in emotionally with the performance of Emily blunt. Emily lets the viewer get in touch and begin to understand how deep and emotionally complex a stone faced individual such as Kerr (DJ) could be. And the movie as whole understands and performs to that…
GGGerman GallardoSmashing
- IJIsaac JTMTariq MuhammadDGDecary Gidron
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Smashing Machine (2025) family-friendly?
The movie has been rated as R, meaning that Under 17 requires an adult accompaniment.
How long is The Smashing Machine (2025)?
The movie is 2hr 3min long.
What's The Smashing Machine (2025) about?
The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion, Mark Kerr.
Who's the cast of The Smashing Machine (2025)?
- Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
- Kenny Rice as Vale Tudo Announcer
- Jerin Valel as Sergio Batarelli
- Andre Tricoteux as Paul Varelans
- James McSweeney as Varelans' Cornerman
- Jonathan Corbblah as UFC 1997 Interviewer
- Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman
- Ilan Rosenberg as Coleman's Cornerman
- Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
- Bas Rutten as Bas
Who's the director behind The Smashing Machine (2025)?
Benny Safdie directed The Smashing Machine (2025).
Who produced The Smashing Machine (2025)?
Eli Bush, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia produced The Smashing Machine (2025).
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