HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Make no mistake. “The Iron Claw” isn't necessarily a story of triumph and resilience. Yes, at times, euphoric victory prevails. However, it is not really a story about victory against all odds.
Rather, to a greater extent, it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride and ambition wrapped up in a wrestling saga turned tragic. At its best, it is a story of brotherly love and family bonds.
The latest effort from Sean Durkin — the writer behind such psychological dramas as 2011's “Martha Marcy May Marlene” and 2020's “The Nest” — shines a spotlight on the true story of the Von Erichs, the first family of Texas wrestling . Their claim to fame is the Family Title Claw, a brutally painful face grab that could send their opponents into submission instantly. Patriarch Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) invented such wrestling in his pro-wrestling heyday in the 60s.
Fritz, now a successful promoter in the 80s, trains his sons to perform the family specialty, along with a pep talk, encouraging them to set their sights on the coveted National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) heavyweight championship belt. . To this day, Fritz still believes his powers denied him the world title he so deserved.
Undoubtedly, Fritz loves his sons, but at the same time, beneath this affection lies a rotten obsession that slowly seeps into their lives. Forget their dreams. They just have to keep their eye on the prize no matter what.
At the heart of the story is the eldest, Kevin (Zac Efron), who is taciturn and stable by nature. He lives for his three brothers: easy-going jokester David (Harris Dickinson), champion discus thrower Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and aspiring musician Mike (Stanley Simons). In time, these young men will become the paragons of high-octane masculinity driven to succeed at any cost. But all this audacity will take its toll and tragedies will strike.
“The Iron Claw” delivers a vivid portrait of a sports family in an American film, supported by an electrifying cast, especially Efron. His deep and sweet sensitivity shines through beyond his amazingly bulky physique. You can't help but be in awe of his impressive transformation. But more specifically, his wonderful portrayal of a wounded soul deserves an Oscar nomination.
Cinematographer Mátyás Erdély's uncanny eye for pure athletic feats puts the audience at the center of the ringside action, showing intimate close-ups of claws and body slams. The excitement is palpable, indeed!
Durkin's stylistically atmospheric approach is something to behold. It flows seamlessly, convincingly and affects overall. Yet in moments of angst, sadness, and despair, it feels like the film was daring enough to reach the next peaks and valleys of the script, as if quickly squelching any hint of heightened poignancy.
Overall, the film is impressive and exciting to the core, and is worth a trip to the theatres.
