Studio A24’s latest film, “The Iron Claw,” recently made its theatrical debut on Dec. 22, meeting rapid critical success and acclaim. Directed by Sean Durkin, “The Iron Claw” is a biopic that centers around the Von Erichs, the family of brothers that rose to fame during the earlier days of professional wrestling.
It is a story about what the effects of generational trauma and toxic masculinity can have on a one’s mental state growing up. The head of the family, Fritz Von Eric, whose played by Holt McCallany, pushes each of his sons to become professional wrestlers after he was denied the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship title during his career which created a hierarchy among his own family members. It presents four young men, though physically at their apex, at their most vulnerable states.
“The Iron Claw” features some of my favorite performances from this past year. The film contains excellent and emotionally charged performances from Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich and Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich.
Throughout the movie, you can feel their strong brotherly relationship and see how their character dynamics change with the inevitable tragedy their careers take them through. The brothers’ trials and triumphs are amplified by the incredible acting on display. The way this cast can portray pain, trauma and heartbreak is on another level.
There’s so much to love about what the visual aspects have to offer. The heavy amount of dedication that went to portraying Texas, including recreating the Dallas Sportatorium, during the early ‘80s is apparent.
The recreations of the many television highlights and news reels that focused on the Von Erichs are stunning visuals that further immerse you into the movie’s world and its time period.
The lighting amplifies the intense scenes in the ring. The top-down lights cast dramatic shadows on each wrestler, practically covering their faces. The colors used in the film are equally as powerful. The yellow, warm glow of the stadium lights contrast with the blue, cooler Dallas nights.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the spectacle that is professional wrestling. Every bead of sweat and drop of blood is captured for the audience. I almost felt the impact of each blow while watching in the theater.
“The Iron Claw” is an emotional whirlwind and a cinematic masterpiece. I have never seen a more impactful, soul-crushing biopic. I thoroughly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys sports movies and dramatic storytelling. This is one of my favorite movies released in 2023 and I am dying to rewatch it again.
The film is currently only in theaters, with Warner Brothers confirming that the movie will be available to stream on Max later this spring. You can watch the trailer by clicking here.