Movie Review: Safdie, Johnson, And Blunt Step Into The Canvas In “The Smashing Machine”

The story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr.

Fighter Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson) and the world of mixed martial arts and UFC are the subject of writer/director Benny Safdie’s new film “The Smashing Machine.” Safdie, who usually works as a duo with his brother, discards traditional sports storytelling in this movie to subvert convention. Instead of the usual biopic story beats, Safdie focuses on mood and performance. The result, however, is a film that lacks a compelling narrative to draw viewers in.

As a whole, “The Smashing Machine” comes across as episodic. Storylines suddenly emerge and then vanish just as quickly. Kerr’s opioid addiction, for instance, is abruptly introduced and then easily smoothed over. While it is slightly implied before it’s explicitly brought up, this technique is a recurring pattern that prevents the film from building momentum or giving weight to Kerr’s struggles.

The weak narrative structure undermines the actors’ performances. Johnson, whose portrayal of Kerr has been praised by early viewers, shows strain. Mostly, his role is subdued and pent up, showing Kerr as meek and quiet outside of the ring. Whenever he is reduced to tears, it feels forced and unconvincing. These little moments detract from an otherwise good portrayal. Emily Blunt plays Kerr’s girlfriend, Dawn. Her work here is strong, demonstrating the character’s care and concern regarding opioid addiction. Her role, however, becomes contrived by the second half, forcing Blunt to portray a clichéd and grating character. Frequently, characters’ moods and actions lack grounding, leaving the viewer unable to connect with them.

“The Smashing Machine” introduces viewers to Kerr through a videotaped interview. The lo-fi nature gives a good introduction to the movie’s visual aesthetic, which leans into handheld, documentary-style photography. What should create an intimate atmosphere instead causes the film to feel visually flat and uninteresting, failing to draw the audience in. Fight scenes are observational, glancing through the barriers of the ring and refusing to bring excitement or tension to the action. Like the characterizations, Safdie keeps us at a distance, never allowing the viewer to become fully invested in what is happening on screen.

Ultimately, experimentation with form is fine and welcome — it gets old seeing the same tropes repeated ad nauseam. The experiment here, however, doesn’t work. At the end of the day, “The Smashing Machine” is an unsatisfying experience that leaves you wanting more.

In Theaters Friday, October 3rd