Benny Safdie’s film The Smashing Machine, released on October 3 in the U.S. and UK, explores the life of Mark Kerr during the formative years of the UFC, capturing his rise as a dominant figure in mixed martial arts. Centered on a Dwayne Johnson sports drama performance, the movie delves into both Kerr’s physical prowess and his complex personal struggles, offering more than just intense fight scenes.
A Closer Look at the Film’s Emotional Core
While The Smashing Machine features impressive fights inspired by Kerr’s early career, the film’s most powerful moments unfold in the domestic conflicts between Kerr and his longtime girlfriend, Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt. These dramatic exchanges reveal a depth rarely seen in typical sports dramas, highlighting the emotional turbulence that underscores Kerr’s journey both inside and outside the cage.
Johnson’s portrayal extends beyond his familiar “Rock” persona, bringing tenderness and vulnerability to the role of Mark Kerr. His combination of strength and emotional fragility contrasts with Dawn’s own brittle demeanor, creating a dynamic that explores themes of ambition, control, and unresolved pain. Emily Blunt, often cast in roles depicting supportive partners, delivers a layered performance that transcends clichés and hints at deep-seated emotional challenges within their relationship.
Exploring the Characters Behind the Fighter
Early scenes illustrate how those around Kerr, including his trainers, view Dawn largely as someone who should “just take care” of him, a reflection of the sports world’s often limited perception of women connected to athletes. Johnson’s Kerr is a paradoxical figure—a gentle giant with fierce determination who wrestles constantly with the need to dominate both in competition and life.
Blunt and Johnson navigate these complexities skillfully, with Benny Safdie’s script probing beneath surface tensions to depict a relationship fraught with conflict and affection. This exploration elevates the story beyond a typical athlete’s tale, shedding light on the emotional toll of Kerr’s competitive drive and the strain it places on those closest to him.
Mark Kerr’s Journey Through UFC’s Early Days
The film chronicles Kerr’s undefeated streak at the UFC’s height when mixed martial arts were still fighting for mainstream respect. Managed initially by his close friend Mark Coleman, played by Ryan Bader, Kerr faces mounting pressure and the looming threat of defeat—an outcome difficult for the champion to imagine.
“I am trying to intellectualize your question but I really can’t place myself in that situation,”
Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman states during a scene in Tokyo.
Safdie captures the era when MMA was often dismissed as brutal and chaotic, emphasizing how Kerr’s peak moments came before the sport gained widespread acceptance. The narrative also highlights the hardship Kerr faces as time passes, with his friend Coleman eventually moving on to forge his own success in the ring. This shift intensifies the emotional weight on Kerr, who struggles to accept loss and confronts physical and psychological challenges throughout his reign.
Dwayne Johnson’s Expansive Performance Range
Though some might be tempted to call Johnson’s work in The Smashing Machine a revelation, his acting has long demonstrated impressive range beyond his action-star image. From stealing scenes opposite John Travolta in Be Cool to participating in complex narratives such as Southland Tales and Pain & Gain, Johnson has consistently shown an ability to inhabit multifaceted characters.
In this sports drama, he delivers perhaps his most nuanced portrayal yet, depicting Kerr as a deeply conflicted man caught between vulnerability and ferocity. Even in moments where the character falters—such as scenes demanding raw emotional expression like crying—Johnson anchors the film with a compelling presence.
Challenges in Portraying the Fighter’s Psychological Depth
Despite the strong central performance, The Smashing Machine struggles to maintain momentum, particularly during its fight sequences. The film often feels more like a prolonged promotional event with little actual fighting intensity captured on screen. Whereas Benny Safdie’s previous works, co-directed with his brother Josh, are known for their gripping pace and tension—such as Good Time and Uncut Gems—this film lacks that urgency.
Attempts to explore the psychological distress that fighters endure fall short, as Johnson’s Kerr appears too balanced and composed for a story meant to evoke the raw devastation of films like Raging Bull. The film’s structure, which relies heavily on repeated interview clips before bouts, becomes repetitive and fails to build the emotional stakes effectively.
The Relationship as the Film’s Emotional Anchor
Ultimately, the movie finds its strongest connection in the portrayal of Mark and Dawn’s tumultuous relationship. Scenes outside the ring, whether through their frequent verbal confrontations or small moments of irony—such as Mark refusing a carnival ride that might upset his stomach but choosing to ride the carousel with Dawn instead—reveal the contradictions and complexities of his character.
It is within these personal facets that Safdie discovers the essence of his subject, reflecting the misunderstood nature of Kerr as a man and the sport he represents. Although the film takes considerable time to reach these insights, they provide a thoughtful closing note on the costs of ambition and the fragility beneath toughness.
