Jacked In Reviews 'The Iron Claw' (2023)

The pillars surrounding the screen at Tyneside Cinema provides the perfect opening, as a black and white man comes into focus, (seemingly) pummelling someone within an inch of their life inside the wrestling ring – before using his signature move, The Iron Claw. However, the intensity in the fighter’s eyes isn’t that of passion for the craft… but an obsession.

Sean Durkin (The Nest & Martha Marcy May Marlene) brings us the true story of 80s wrestling family sensation, the Von Erichs and the dreaded “curse” that hung over their family. This is a tragic story like no other, telling the tale of one man’s tunnel vision to achieve his dream.

By the end of the movie, there is no question that there is a family curse, and its name is Fritz Von Erich.

Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) never made it as big as he’d hoped in the ring and now lives vicariously through his sons, pushing them to victory, no matter the cost. Pitting them against each other, ranking his favourites and when tragedy strikes, his goal continues. By the end of the movie, there is no question that there is a family curse, and its name is Fritz Von Erich. Stealing the show is McCallany who slides into the imposing father figure with ease, accomplishing more with a stance and glare of disappointment rather than having any need to raise his voice.

Although each Von Erich son makes up different sides of the same die, all the actors achieve individuality perfectly. Harris Dickinson nails wisecracking, showman David and Stanley Simons brings a great deal of sorrow to the aspiring musician, “runt” of the litter, Mike. What’s impressive about Jeremy Allen White as Kerry is his ability to simultaneously balance resentment and yearning for approval, demonstrating emotion frustratingly through a character raised with “men don’t cry” foundations.

Every inch of muscle takes over the screen just as wrestling takes over every aspect of Kevin’s life.

A tip of the hat to Zac Efron as the “oldest” brother, Kevin, who compliments his off-screen counterpart’s dedication to the sport, pushing his body like never before. The cinematography skills of Mátyás Erdély (The Nest & Son of Saul) shows us every nook and cranny of the actor’s physique, every inch of muscle takes over the screen just as wrestling takes over every aspect of Kevin’s life. Only, it doesn’t feel like his body is being used to promote strength, it looks uncomfortable, raw and exposed, like a nerve, adding vulnerability to a character that has no choice but to suppress his feelings.

A point which can’t be stressed enough, not being familiar with or even partial to the world of wrestling takes nothing away from the power of this story. However, it may educate those not in the know as to how real this sport actually is (just not perhaps in the way you thought).

The only downside is certain omitted aspects, such as the removal of brother, Chris Von Erich (who also took his own life) and David’s daughter – who passed away at only two months. The strength of this story lies within its sadness and although giving it the “Hollywood” treatment – by avoiding too much bereavement – is understandable, removing those aspects almost does the family a slight disservice, especially given how far they already went, they could have gone all way, audiences can take it.

All in all, it’s a perfectly crafted piece of cinema that gives an alluringly grounded portrayal of the eighties that rarely makes it to the big screen.