‘The Iron Claw’: Zac Efron transforms in ‘powerfully acted and profoundly sad’ wrestling drama [Review Round-Up]
On December 22, 2023, A24 released “The Iron Claw” to predominantly positive reviews, holding fresh at 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Sean Durkin‘s film tells the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. It stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson as three of the troubled siblings and Maura Tierney as their mother, Doris.
The critics consensus reads, “Powerfully acted and profoundly sad, ‘The Iron Claw’ honors its fact-based story with a dramatization whose compassionate exploration of family ties is just as hard-hitting as its action in the wrestling ring.” Read our full review round-up below.
Adrian Horton of Guardian says, “Efron, with his newly prominent jaw and muscles nearly bursting out of their sinews, looks and moves like a man uncomfortable in his skin. The impression befits the role – Kevin is Fritz’s true student of wrestling (and thus recipient of the brunt of his ambitions and insecurities), yet the least naturally suited of the brothers to the sport’s demands of showmanship and bravado. Helpfully for the uninitiated, Kevin explains the system of wrestling championships – a belt is basically an award for performance – on a first date with Pam (Lily James), the woman summarily hurried through the steps of spectator, suitor, girlfriend, strained wife.”
David Rooney of Hollywood Reporter states, “As a wrenching American heartland saga, ‘The Iron Claw’ is certainly compelling, and to anyone unfamiliar with the Von Erichs’ history, each jolt of fresh anguish delivered to the family will be startling.” Adding, “It’s great to see the too-long undervalued Tierney back on screen in a heartbreaking role. Aside from Kevin, Doris is the only immediate family member who allows herself to grieve.”
Jordan Hoffman of The Messenger writes, “Much like ‘Raging Bull’ isn’t a boxing movie, but a drama with boxing, ‘The Iron Claw’ is a drama with pro wrestling.” Hoffman continues, “So is this just the story of a monster father? It’s rarely that simple. Sean Durkin’s script and Holt McCallany find space for the humanity in everyone, somehow. This makes everything extra tragic when you know someone could have done something, but chose not to. (Maura Tierney, as the boys’ mother, seesaws between jollity when serving up giant portions of bacon and eggs, then turns invisible whenever a conflict arises; it’s heartbreaking.)
Kevin Fox Jr. of Paste Magazine praises the film, stating, “’Through its thorough but not unlimited portrayal of the travails and triumphs of a legendary family of athletes, the film adds to ongoing debates about entertainment drawn from tragedy and what artistic license is acceptable in the adaptation of real events. Writer/director Sean Durkin’s drama is largely carried on the broad strapping shoulders of Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, aided by Jeremy Allen White as his brother Kerry and a star turn by Harris Dickinson as their brother David. Stanley Simons rounds out the focal generation of the family as youngest brother Mike. Mike’s real-life youngest brother, Chris Von Erich, does not appear in the film and is not mentioned.”
Owen Gleiberman of Variety notes, “The film’s central figure, Kevin Von Erich, is played by Efron, who has undergone a physical transformation nearly as dramatic as De Niro’s in ‘Raging Bull.’ We’ve seen dozens of actors pump themselves up, but Kevin’s body is a mass of steroidal muscle he wears like a second skin, and under his choppy bangs he’s both handsome and slugged. Efron, with heavy-lidded eyes, resembles David Cassidy crossed with the Hulk. Kevin is a rising star on the wrestling circuit, but what he looks like is a young man encased in his dreams.”
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