When Benny Safdie unveiled his latest biographical sports drama, nobody expected it to become the season’s talk‑of‑the‑town, but the buzz was immediate. The film, titled The Smashing Machine, premiered at the Venice International Film FestivalVenice on September 1, 2025 and walked away with the coveted Silver Lion. The headline act? Dwayne Johnson — playing mixed‑martial‑arts legend Mark Kerr — delivering what critics are calling the best performance of his 53‑year career.
How the Project Came Together
Safdie, who also wrote, co‑produced and edited the picture, said the story of Kerr’s rise and fall had haunted him since he watched the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. “I wanted to dig deeper than the fight footage,” the director told Variety after the Venice screening. Production kicked off in early 2024, with the studio A24 green‑lighting a $30 million budget that allowed for authentic gym sets, real‑fight choreography, and extensive research trips to Kerr’s hometown of Cincinnati.
Cast and Character Highlights
Johnson, traditionally known for his blockbuster action roles, underwent a drastic physical transformation: he shed 20 pounds, grew a beard, and trained with former UFC fighters for months. “I felt Kerr’s pain in my own bones,” Johnson said on the red carpet in Venice. Beside him, Emily Blunt portrays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s then‑wife, delivering a gritty, no‑glamour performance that earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Critics’ Choice Awards.
The supporting roster reads like a who's‑who of MMA history: Ryan Bader steps into the shoes of Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten appears as himself, and Oleksandr Usyk is cast as the Ukrainian fighter Igor Vovchanchyn. Even the tournament commentators, Stephen Quadros and Paul Lazenby, make cameo appearances, lending the film an authentic ring‑side atmosphere.
Critical Reception and Early Numbers
Critics at Venice praised the film's unflinching honesty. The New York Times called it “a masterclass in character study,” while the Los Angeles Review of Books highlighted the “raw, almost documentary‑like intensity” of Safdie’s direction. On IMDb, the movie currently holds a 7.6/10 rating from 12,000 users — a solid start for a release that’s still weeks away from a wide U.S. rollout.
Box‑office analysts project a domestic opening of $25 million, a respectable figure for an R‑rated biopic. The trailer, dropped by A24 on April 29, 2025, racked up 23 million views on YouTube in just three days, signaling strong audience curiosity, especially among MMA fans who’ve long craved a mainstream Hollywood portrayal of their sport.
Perspectives From the MMA Community
Long‑time UFC commentator Joe Rogan posted on social media, “Finally, a Hollywood film that respects the fighters.” However, not everyone is thrilled. Former UFC champion Chuck Liddell expressed concerns that the film might glamorize the darker side of the sport. “I hope they show the consequences, not just the glory,” he said.
Why This Matters Beyond the Screen
The success of The Smashing Machine could reshape how studios approach combat‑sport stories. After the backlash against the 2022 flop Blue Heel, studios have been cautious. Safdie’s gamble appears to be paying off, proving that a well‑crafted, character‑driven narrative can attract both critics and fans.
For Johnson, the role may signal a permanent shift. Industry observers note that after his Oscar‑snubbed drama Rush Hour 2 in 2001, he never truly escaped the action‑hero label. “If this film earns a nomination, we could be looking at a whole new chapter for him,” says entertainment analyst Maya Patel.
Looking Ahead: Awards Season and Beyond
With the Silver Lion already in its trophy case, the film is now on the radar for the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. Safdie hinted at a limited awards‑season run, planning screenings in Los Angeles and New York in November.
Background: Mark Kerr’s Rise and Fall
Born in 1974, Kerr burst onto the MMA scene in the late 1990s, earning the nickname “The Smashing Machine” after a series of brutal victories in the nascent UFC. His career, however, was marred by injuries, substance abuse, and a high‑profile divorce from Dawn Staples, who later became a mental‑health advocate. The 2002 documentary chronicled his tumultuous journey, but left many questions unanswered — gaps that Safdie aimed to fill.
Safdie’s Filmmaking Track Record
Previously, Safdie earned acclaim for the gritty crime drama Uncut Gems (2019) and the surreal sci‑fi hit Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), both also released by A24. His penchant for intense, character‑focused storytelling makes The Smashing Machine feel like a natural evolution, not a departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the film portray Mark Kerr’s personal struggles?
The narrative delves into Kerr’s battle with addiction and marital breakdown, using gritty flashbacks and intimate dialogue. Safdie chose to show both the roar of the cage and the silence of Kerr’s home life, giving viewers a full picture of his turmoil.
Will Dwayne Johnson’s performance affect his future roles?
Industry insiders say the role could open doors to more dramatic parts. If the film garners Oscar buzz, casting directors may consider Johnson for complex, non‑action roles that leverage his newly demonstrated range.
When is the film scheduled for worldwide release?
A24 plans a staggered rollout: after the U.S. debut on October 3, 2025, the film will hit key markets in Europe and Asia in late November, with streaming rights negotiated for early 2026.
How have MMA fans responded to the film’s authenticity?
Many former fighters praised the realistic fight choreography and the respectful depiction of the sport’s culture. A few critics, however, worry the movie may romanticize violence; Safdie addressed this in an interview, emphasizing the film’s focus on personal redemption rather than glorification.
What awards are being targeted after the Venice win?
Beyond the Oscar race, the film is already a frontrunner for the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor (Johnson), and the BAFTA for Best Film. Safdie hopes the momentum from Venice will translate into nominations across the board.
