Someone Has Seen Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine, And I’m Hyped About Their Take On The A24 Movie

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There’s been quite a bit of excitement building up for the upcoming A24 film titled “The Smashing Machine“. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, who previously worked together in “Jungle Cruise“, this movie is directed by Benny Safdie, known for his work on “Uncut Gems“. Interestingly, this film represents a change in direction for Johnson, as he’s often associated with major blockbusters. However, it seems that stepping into the role of a smaller-scale character study has been beneficial, judging by the positive feedback the biopic has received so far. In fact, someone who claimed to have already seen “The Smashing Machine” had only good things to say about it, which has piqued my curiosity and I can’t wait to watch it myself.

At a conversation with Variety, Venice Film Festival’s artistic director Alberto Barbera discussed the festival’s role as a harbinger for award seasons and unveiled the lineup for the 2025 event. Notably, one of the films slated for competition is “The Smashing Machine” which, surprisingly, wasn’t initially perceived as an awards contender. However, Barbera’s opinion shifted dramatically after he was left utterly captivated by Safdie’s production, stating that his initial skepticism was overcome by the movie’s impressive quality. He clarified:

In the film, both Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt deliver outstanding performances that left us in awe. Earlier this year, I visited New York City where I met Benny Safdie, who shared some Tokyo-shot scenes from the movie on his phone. Surprisingly, what I initially thought would be an extraordinary film out of competition turned out to be a deeply moving picture about two captivating characters. It skillfully portrays the life and struggles of wrestling champion Mark Kerr, as well as the world and era of the 2000s.

In the movie titled “The Smashing Machine,” we follow the life of real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who endures both the challenges of being a professional athlete and personal difficulties. Initial glimpses of this film show Johnson transforming significantly to portray Kerr, and according to Barbera, his dedication to the character extends far beyond mere physical transformation.

Without a doubt, the movie surpassed all anticipations, given that it’s now vying for The Golden Lion – the most prestigious award at Venice. Moreover, Barbera hinted that the FYC (For Your Consideration) awards campaign might not cease at the festival circuit alone; he added, “It won’t stop there.

From the moment we laid eyes on it, there was no question in our minds that this film is a strong contender for awards and is poised to leave an indelible impression. Whether it will reach the Oscars or not remains to be seen, but I strongly believe A24 will aim for such recognition.

Studio A24 boasts a robust pedigree at the Oscars, having produced films such as “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Moonlight” (both winners of Best Picture), and other Academy favorites like “Lady Bird,” “The Whale,” and “Minari.” Given this momentum, it’s plausible to expect A24 to put considerable effort into promoting “The Smashing Machine,” particularly given the talented cast. However, A24 faces competition for its awards season frontrunner status, as it also has upcoming releases like “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, and Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” still slated for this year.

As a follower, I’m thrilled that The Smashing Machine still has a journey ahead before securing a Golden Lion or Best Picture nod, but Barbera’s comments about it are incredibly encouraging. Having already been intrigued by the trailer and Benny Saftie’s insights into the filmmaking process, hearing praise from someone with a proven track record of good taste who has actually seen the movie is a game-changer for me.

The Smashing Machine, which was previously on my radar as a potential rainy Sunday watch, has now skyrocketed to my must-see list for this awards season. I can hardly wait until it premieres at Venice and hear more reactions from fellow cinephiles!

Be ready to experience “The Smashing Machine” in theaters starting October 3rd, 2025! Don’t miss it on the big screen. For further details about upcoming movies set to hit the cinemas later this year, consult our 2025 movie release calendar.

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2025-07-23 18:16