In the early 2000s, mixed martial artist Mark Kerr rises to prominence as the sport’s popularity begins to explode. But behind the fame and fierce competition, the relentless travel and physical toll push Kerr to his limits. Starring Dwayne Johnson in a powerful, transformative role alongside Oscar nominee Emily Blunt, The Smashing Machine marks the solo directorial debut of Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and won the Silver Lion Award for Best Director at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

‘As a newly solo director, Safdie summons a thoughtful and moving mood for this unconventional sports film; as a newly serious dramatic actor, Johnson is about to win some awards.’
★★★★
John Nugent, Empire Magazine

‘Beyond the regular crunch of fist on bone, The Smashing Machine is an unexpectedly gentle, soulful character study that has Johnson undercutting his crowd-pleasing ‘The Rock’ persona with vulnerability and boyish uncertainty.’
★★★★
Philip De Semlyen, Time Out