The Smashing Machine
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Synopsis
Genre-bending writer-director Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) reunites with indie film favourite, A24, for the highly anticipated drama, THE SMASHING MACHINE, starring real-life WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the career-defining role of UFC legend Mark Kerr. In the late 90s, a campaign is set up to have the brutal Ultimate Fighting Championship banned, turning all eyes to the competition and its competitors. Up-and-coming fighter Mark Kerr (Johnson) reaches all-time career peaks under the glorious spotlight. Though personal struggles with addiction, winning and love disrupt his trajectory as the balance between man and machine turns red. Based on the unforgettable true story, this visceral biopic, exploring both Kerr and his sport, chronicles the heights and trials of the fight and fighter as they both became a worldwide phenomenon. Johnson’s dramatic edge alongside chemistry with returning Jungle Cruise co-star and Oscar-nominee, Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), has audiences buzzing. Incredibly immersive, aesthetically exciting, and promising to evoke a roller coaster of emotions, Safdie continues to push the envelope, delivering an awe-inspiring story that feels genuinely raw and authentic.
Genre-bending writer-director Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) reunites with indie film favourite, A24, for the highly anticipated drama, THE SMASHING MACHINE, starring real-life WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the career-defining role of UFC legend Mark Kerr. In the late 90s, a campaign is set up to have the brutal Ultimate Fighting Championship banned, turning all eyes to the competition and its competitors. Up-and-coming fighter Mark Kerr (Johnson) reaches all-time career peaks under the glorious spotlight. Though personal struggles with addiction, winning and love disrupt his trajectory as the balance between man and machine turns red. Based on the unforgettable true story, this visceral biopic, exploring both Kerr and his sport, chronicles the heights and trials of the fight and fighter as they both became a worldwide phenomenon. Johnson’s dramatic edge alongside chemistry with returning Jungle Cruise co-star and Oscar-nominee, Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), has audiences buzzing. Incredibly immersive, aesthetically exciting, and promising to evoke a roller coaster of emotions, Safdie continues to push the envelope, delivering an awe-inspiring story that feels genuinely raw and authentic.
Reviews
"The Rock is a revelation in a sweaty, bloody sports biopic that puts heart before glory."
- Time Out
"Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is Oscar-worthy."
- BBC.com
"Filmmaker Benny Safdie asks the [Dwayne Johnson] to be raw and vulnerable for the first time in his career – and it’s a sight to behold."
- Independent (UK)
"The Smashing Machine is a crunchily satisfying fight movie that innovates subtly."
- Daily Telegraph (UK)
"Johnson, shifting his whole aspect (he seems like a new actor), invests that silent, moody, hidden side of Mark with a quality of mystery. He gives an extraordinary performance."
- Variety
Movie Information
Release Date
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
Duration
123 MIN
Rating
CTC
Director
Benny Safdie
Cast
Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
Genre
Drama
Participating Cinemas
Trending
Movie Information
Release Date
Thursday, 2nd October 2025
Duration
123 MIN
Rating
CTC
Director
Benny Safdie
Cast
Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
Genre
Drama
