THE IRON CLAW
Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, Lily James, and Maura Tierney
Director: Sean Durkin
NICK
Professional wrestling has a treasure trove of true stories that are rarely told. So, I was elated to hear that director Sean Durkin was bringing the legacy of the Von Erichs to the big screen, a task he more than succeeds at. His attention to detail in both match re-enactments and the vintage feel is aced, while the cast... Man, what a masterclass in casting. Every member of this decorated family is portrayed with poise and authenticity as they take you through this tragedy-filled tale. Wrestling fan or not, this is a film bound to stick with you. Tissues mandatory.
PAIGE
Inspired by the true and tragic story of the Von Erich family, The Iron Claw hits harder than any powerbomb could. What director Sean Durkin is able to conquer both inside and outside the ring throughout this movie is masterful. It’s a compelling and vulnerable look at the toxic confines of trying to chase the American dream. Yet, above all else, it’s a story about the beauty of brotherhood, which leads to the ensemble cast delivering such committed and powerful performances, especially Zac Efron. This film proved that the Von Erich’s brotherly bond was stronger than any wrestling move out there.
AMARÚ
The Iron Claw does this thing where it starts off as one long wrestling show even when outside the ring. Just when you think that might be a double-edged sword, bringing intensity and entertainment alongside performative and saccharine dialogue, you begin to realize that’s the point. Once it stops being a show and transitions into a devastating look at the cost of obsessive determination, all that showmanship sets up an emotionally powerful payoff. The entire ensemble delivers in this true story’s gut-wrenching presentation, but it’s Zac Efron’s subtle vulnerability that drives this magnificent film’s forceful hope amidst the heartache.
PRESTON
Professional wrestling movies may hold the secret formula for being great. With so little chance of being successful, little monetary gain throughout, and the damage inflicted upon one’s body and family, it is the perfect recipe for an examination of the human condition and what it means to persevere. Director Sean Durkin takes advantage of this recipe to successfully tell the true and tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family in The Iron Claw. Beautifully acted, this film’s realism will have you feeling privileged to watch as you navigate the burning sadness that provides little relief.
ADRIANO
I knew nothing about the Von Erich family going in, so I was not prepared for the emotional devastation of The Iron Claw. What could've been an entirely grim film that relies on its heavy subject matter takes its time with this family’s tragedy to offer a nuanced and compassionate film that, despite how tough it can be, offers many wholly earned, tear-inducing moments. Amongst the amazing cast, Zac Efron shines the brightest in a career-defining performance in what ultimately is a hard but beautiful film that I feel is necessary viewing.
QUENTIN
Objectively speaking, The Iron Claw is one of the best movies of the year, featuring tremendous acting across the board, waves of emotion, and perfect era-specific details (especially in the wrestling scenes). However, and I fully acknowledge that this is a “me” problem, but I already knew the story of the Von Erichs, so some of the emotional beats didn’t hit quite as hard for me or they felt slightly glossed over. This is the general problem when watching movies based on true stories you’re familiar with. Still, with the completely yoked Zac Efron giving a career-defining performance, it’s one of 2023’s true must sees.
CALEB
With The Iron Claw, director Sean Durkin tells the story of the Von Erich brothers with compassion, ensuring that the weight of these tragedies never overshadow the powerful love these men shared. The entire cast is exceptional, but Zac Efron shines as Kevin Von Erich, delivering a performance that delicately balances gentleness with raw, animalistic power. My biggest gripe with the film lies in its conclusion. While the rest of the film handled the topic of toxic masculinity with subtlety, the final moments were far too heavy-handed. Despite the rocky ending, The Iron Claw remains a beautifully crafted tribute to these incredible athletes.