The first reviews have been published for The Smashing Machine, a new biographical sports drama starring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter known for his time in UFC. The film, which explores Kerr’s struggles with substance abuse and his complicated relationship with his ex-wife Dawn Staples, premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 1 September and is set to be released in cinemas on 3 October. Johnson’s performance has quickly become a focal point in early critical reactions.
Critical Acclaim Highlights Johnson’s Dramatic Depth
The film currently holds an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews, with many critics applauding Johnson for stepping into a serious and nuanced role. The BBC labeled his portrayal as “Oscar-worthy,” noting the transition from his blockbuster successes to this more dramatic effort:
Don’t be surprised if Johnson is Oscar-nominated. His Hollywood blockbusters have raked in billions of dollars, so this serious, nuanced role gives his peers an obvious chance to reward him for his lucrative career.
—BBC
RogerEbert.com praised the movie’s tension and emotional depth, stating:
The movie is at its most taut and upsetting when showing Mark’s crisis of confidence and the road it puts him on.
—RogerEbert.com
Variety commended Johnson’s ability to convey complexity, describing his work as:
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
The Hollywood Reporter emphasized Johnson’s strong presence in what it called his “most absorbing turn yet,” noting the film’s departure from typical sports movie clichés:
Played by Dwayne Johnson in the wrestler-turned-actor’s most absorbing turn yet, the mixed martial arts champ anchors a rise-and-fall fight flick that takes many cues from the genre but never delivers a Rocky-style knockout – nor does it even try to.
—The Hollywood Reporter
Mixed Reviews and Director’s Solo Debut
Despite the overall positive feedback, some critics were less impressed. AwardsWatch criticized the film for limiting Johnson’s opportunity to fully display his dramatic range:
In the titular role, Johnson tries his best to deliver a different performance than his usual action/comedy fare, but the film doesn’t offer him a real chance to showcase his dramatic chops.
—AwardsWatch
The Times took a more skeptical stance, describing The Smashing Machine as:
the awards season equivalent of a ‘fugazi’ diamond
It looks like an Oscar contender, it sparkles like an Oscar contender, but on closer inspection it’s entirely plastic and mostly worthless.
—The Times
The film also marks the solo directorial debut of Benny Safdie and reunites Johnson with Emily Blunt, who plays his ex-wife, bringing back the pair from their previous collaboration in Jungle Cruise.
Release Details and Anticipated Impact
The Smashing Machine is scheduled for a wide cinema release on 3 October. The film’s mix of raw emotional storytelling, combined with Johnson’s departure into more serious acting, positions it as a notable contender during awards season. Observers will be watching closely to see if this performance will cement Johnson’s transition into dramatic roles and if it will garner him official Oscar recognition.
