REVIEW: There Are No Pinfalls To Be Found In The Iron Claw
The history of professional wrestling is written in trials and tribulations, especially in its earlier days. Numerous projects over the years have tried to shine light on this industry, but none have done it in the way that writer and director, Sean Durkin, portrays in the new film, The Iron Claw. The Iron Claw follows the Von Erich family; a family of four brothers, Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Michael (Stanley Simons) who are following in their Dad’s (Holt McCallany) footsteps to be the best of the best in professional wrestling. However, as their stardom in professional wrestling climbs, so do their individual struggles to be the best. And it is these struggles that bring to light the inevitable Von Erich curse. This family curse, believed to be passed down by descendants of the Von Erich, is knee deep in tragedy, and the sole reason as to why bad things are constantly happening to this family.
To put it simply, the film is devastating. The tragedies that have befallen this family are in no way sugar coated. Director and screenwriter, Sean Durkin captures the hardships this family has faced as they chased the family dream of acquiring the World Heavyweight Championship in Professional Wrestling while also showcasing the personal struggles each brother battled along the way. It’s an interesting view into the world of professional wrestling when you focus on one family, but the film is most interesting when it focuses on the dynamic between the brothers. Especially given that their father is constantly pitting them against one another. Durkin, though, manages to show that no matter the constant push and pull, the brothers remain united.
Still, the film felt a tad bit incomplete. As moving as certain moments were, there were pieces of the story that could have been fleshed out a bit more. Each brothers’ wrestling journey is a bit rushed, and viewers never get to see how truly difficult it was to make a name for yourself in the wrestling industry in the 1980s. Another piece could have been the relationship between the four brothers. There isn’t enough dialogue between the them, only brief moments scattered here and there.
Those pieces aside, the entire cast is outstanding. Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons are truly knockouts in this film, whilst Holt McCallany plays, what the wrestling world calls a “heel”, oh so well. However, Zac Efron is the film’s standout, and he should be. The film might be about the Von Erich family, but the film is told mostly through Kevin’s point of view, and his feelings as he faces these triumphs and tragedies. Zac does an amazing job of showing that constant teetering between the highs and lows.
The Iron Claw won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a remarkable film that is worth seeing at least once.
Grade: A-