“The Iron Claw” tackles a sports genre that is criminally underrated and a story that is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking. The world of professional wrestling is a very polarizing sport to portray on screen. When it’s done right, we get great films like Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” with Mickey Rourke, as well as the insightful documentary “Beyond the Mat.” “The Iron Claw” can take its rightful place with those two efforts.
Based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, writer/director Sean Durkin crafts a film that has as much to say about the nature of family as it does about taking bumps in the ring.
A beefed-up Zac Efron stars as Kevin von Erich who has a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler. The family is located in Dallas, Texas, and Kevin is joined by his three brothers: Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons). We learn of a fourth brother Jack Jr. who died at five years old.
Kevin believes that there is a von Erich family curse after the family changed their names instead of keeping their namesake Adkisson. Kevin’s feelings about being in the wrestling industry are further complicated when he sees his father Fritz (Holt McCallany) is pushing the brothers too hard, especially Mike, who has zero ambitions of embracing the squared circle.
Kevin is able to find solace once he starts dating a girl named Pam (Lily James). Their relationship is a sweet and nuanced diversion from the in-ring action and soon they’re married and want to start a family. Kevin’s other feminine presence in his life is his mother, Doris (Maura Tierney). He tries to confide in her about their father’s treatment, but she shrugs it off by telling him, “Baby, that’s what your brothers are for.”
The movie wonderfully recreates the aura of the ’70s and ’80s in the world of wrestling in Dallas and we get to see the brothers compete in some highly exuberant matches against the likes of Bruiser Brody and the Fabulous Freebirds. Fans of the era will appreciate the vibes and attention to detail in making the atmosphere and sound of professional wrestling seem authentic.
However, when the movie takes its dark turn, it’s completely unapologetic about the fates of David, who died of a ruptured intestine, Mike, who overdoses on pills after being forced to compete, and Kerry, who suffers a motorcycle accident that leaves his foot amputated and then his subsequent suicide. These sequences don’t pull any punches about the harshness of this industry and the expectations placed on the brothers to not only realize their father’s dream but also to find a sense of peace and lives of their own.
Durkin’s treatment is one that is faithful to showcasing the era and the personalities involved, but even more so, “The Iron Claw” shows a family’s willingness to honor a tradition of excellence, however jaded and misguided those attempts may be.
Zac Efron, in particular, is the centerpiece of the film as a man who is portrayed as someone who is fierce in the ring but sensitive and soulful outside of it. His physical transformation is unquestionably impressive, but thankfully it’s a performance that is anchored by expressions and insights that are totally convincing and keep us invested throughout. Even though we know the tragic outcomes, we are empathetic to Kevin as he sorts his way in and out of the wrestling world and wants to do and be a better person. It’s a career highlight.
“The Iron Claw” may not convert those who view wrestling as a joke or fake, but it encapsulates a family dynamic that is as intense and dramatically engaging as any professional wrestling match.
This movie earns the 1-2-3 pin as one of the year’s best films.
Grade: A
(Rated R for language, suicide, some sexuality and drug use.)
