Dwayne Johnson takes on a deeply personal role in The Smashing Machine, a new A24 film directed and written by Benny Safdie, set to premiere on October 3rd. The Dwayne Johnson MMA biopic chronicles the life of Mark Kerr, an early MMA pioneer whose struggles inside and outside the ring reveal a story far beyond the sport itself.
Johnson’s transformation into Kerr sees him stepping away from the blockbuster action films he is commonly known for, offering audiences a rare glimpse of vulnerability from Hollywood’s iconic action star. The story covers the years between 1997 and 2000, during the period when MMA was gaining traction but had yet to establish mainstream cultural prominence.
Mark Kerr: The Fighter Behind the Legend
The film centers on Mark Kerr, an undefeated MMA champion renowned for his wrestling prowess and his relentless physical style. Kerr dominated his opponents by controlling them on the mat before finishing the fight with brutal submissions. While victorious in the cage, Kerr’s battles outside the ring were equally intense, complicated by a serious painkiller addiction.
The film presents Kerr’s addiction and recovery in a straightforward manner, refusing to sensationalize the issue. Even after overcoming substance abuse, Kerr’s personal life remains tumultuous, specifically his fraught relationship with his girlfriend Dawn, portrayed by Emily Blunt.
The Strained Relationship That Intensifies the Drama
While the physical fights are gripping, the emotional conflicts between Mark and Dawn deliver some of the movie’s most charged moments. Emily Blunt brings sincerity to the character, and the chemistry between her and Johnson feels genuine. However, Dawn’s character appears underdeveloped in the script, leaving her outbursts somewhat difficult to understand fully. Her role echoes the archetype of the troubled partner familiar from many boxing and fighting films, limiting the emotional connection viewers might have with her storyline.
Breaking Away From Traditional Sports Biopic Tropes
The film consciously distances itself from conventional sports movie formulas. Benny Safdie’s approach sidesteps clichéd narratives often found in this genre, focusing instead on the gritty realities of MMA and the complex nature of its fighters. The varied skill sets of MMA athletes lead to unpredictable and diverse clashes in the ring, and the screenplay reflects this by avoiding a straightforward depiction of victory or defeat as the ultimate goal.
Dwayne Johnson’s Pursuit of Prestige Acting
Although The Smashing Machine is not Johnson’s first real-life role—he previously appeared in the fact-based 2013 drama Pain & Gain—the choice to play Mark Kerr is fitting. Kerr’s relative obscurity as a figure allows Johnson some freedom from intense public expectation that often accompanies portrayals of more widely known historical figures such as Elvis or Lincoln.
Johnson’s imposing physical presence naturally aligns with Kerr’s athletic demands, yet he never completely disappears into the character. This partial visibility keeps the audience aware of Johnson’s authentic effort and emotional investment in the role, which enhances the film’s tension and realism.
A Performance Fueled by Raw Emotion and Physical Grit
The Smashing Machine highlights Johnson’s commitment to embracing a more nuanced and demanding acting challenge. His portrayal is imbued with moments of genuine vulnerability, especially when confronting defeat or personal despair. The film avoids melodrama, opting instead for a verité style that brings a raw and unpolished texture appropriate for Kerr’s story.
One striking scene captures Johnson’s bare back under the camera’s gaze, symbolizing the visible and invisible burdens the fighter carries. The camera later shifts to his face, capturing the deeper emotional weight that external strength cannot hide.
The Importance and Impact of This Biopic
The Smashing Machine stands out as a poignant exploration of resilience, aging, and self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of MMA’s emergence as a sport. It reminds viewers that success often involves embracing both strengths and vulnerabilities, a theme that resonates deeply with Johnson’s own career evolution.
As MMA continues to grow in cultural significance, telling the story of one of its pioneers offers important insights into the sport’s history and the human costs behind triumphs. For Johnson, this role could mark a significant turning point in his acting career, showcasing a more daring and multifaceted side to his talent while shedding light on the complexities of fighters like Mark Kerr.
“Few movies have represented a turning point in an actor’s career quite like The Smashing Machine.” – Benny Safdie, Director
“Johnson’s performance feels fueled by his willingness to really go for prestige gold.” – Benny Safdie, Director
“The turning point only possible after a person embraces both their strengths and weaknesses with an open heart.” – Benny Safdie, Director
