I’m about to make a confession here. I’m not a wrestling fan. I remember Hulk Hogan. I know Andre the Giant… from The Princess Bride. Heck, I knew The Rock from The Scorpion King. So, I sat down to watch The Iron Claw, knowing nothing of what I was in for. Is this biopic for wrestling fans only? Or is this ring wide open for everyone? Read on.
The Iron Claw follows the Von Erich family as they struggle to make their name in the competitive world of Texas wrestling during the 1980s. While now recognized as a true dynasty in the sport, tragedy hung over the family, leading many to blame their misfortune on a curse. Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Lily James, and Holt McCallany co-star in the movie. Sean Durkin directs The Iron Claw from his own script.
First and foremost, I would not be doing my job as a critic if I didn’t call out Zac Efron’s truly transformative performance as Kevin Von Erich. Efron effortlessly guides the movie as Kevin grows, evolves and learns what is truly important. The actor brings a crazy physicality to the screen that is almost unrecognizable to the performer many have watched as far back as High School Musical. While this is certainly meant to reference his muscular onscreen transformation, this also includes the lengthy wrestling sequences involving not only Efron but each of the leads.
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In fact, the ensemble shines throughout this film. Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Holt McCallany take turns dominating. However, there are beautiful and powerful performances from every member of this cast. Efron and McCallany, in particular, make powerful arguments for awards season consideration. Meanwhile, Harris Dickinson gives a powerful but all too brief portrayal that should be receiving more love.
As mentioned, I knew nothing about this history as I sat down for this film. I won’t give away any spoilers, but this is based on a true story. The information is out there. However, Durkin melds beautifully with this talented cast to present an emotional and accessible version of the Von Erich story.
For those who (like me!) weren’t familiar, this is not an easy set of events. The Iron Claw is ultimately powerful “Oscar Season” fare, tackling challenging (and triggering) events like emotional abuse, trauma, drugs and suicide. This is all held together by Holt McCallany’s brutal performance. As family patriarch Fritz, he’s equal parts terrifying and inspiring. He wields a frightening (and emotionally abusive) power over his sons, which is, in truth, painful to watch. This will be too much for some, so know your limits.
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Unfortunately, the film can’t quite wrap its arms around family matriarch Doris (Tierney). A hyper-religious woman, she faces everything life throws at her with a graceful stoicism. However, as the second act rolls around, her carefully crafted facade begins to crumble. Tragically, she is never quite given her moment to grieve, and she’s never allowed to show her true power. As everything happens around Doris, this role could easily see awards consideration in the right situation. Sadly, Tierney is never allowed to reach her stride.
Ultimately, though, this doesn’t keep The Iron Claw from soaring. This isn’t simply a wrestling biopic. This movie is gritty and painfully real. This is primarily thanks to the powerful performances throughout this ensemble. Zac Efron has never been better than this. It’s a career-making and a defining role for the still-young performer. While he’s not the only actor out there, he shines as the face of this picture. This is a must-see for anyone interested.
The Iron Claw opens in theaters nationwide on December 22, 2023.
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