The Smashing Machine (2025) Review

The Smashing Machine is a 2025 American biographical sports drama film written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie.

MMA fighter Mark Kerr reaches the peak of his career but faces personal hardships.

The Smashing Machine (2025) Review

Read our detailed review of The Smashing Machine (2025), Benny Safdie’s latest biographical sports drama. Explore cast performances, plot, direction, and why this sports film is a must-watch.

Plot Overview

The Smashing Machine dives deep into the tumultuous life of [protagonist’s name – presumably a fighter or athlete], exploring the pressures of professional sports, personal struggles, and the price of fame. The narrative focuses on the internal and external battles of the protagonist as they navigate the competitive world of sports, while also exposing the human vulnerabilities behind the public persona.

The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr is a 2002 American documentary film directed by John Hyams about the mixed martial arts career and personal life of Mark Kerr.

Performance

The lead delivers a captivating performance, embodying both the physical intensity and emotional fragility of an athlete at the peak of their career. Supporting roles are strong, lending depth to the protagonist’s journey through the competitive and often unforgiving sports world. The chemistry among the cast brings authenticity to the story, particularly in the moments of rivalry, camaraderie, and personal conflict.

The wrestler turned Hollywood superstar gets vulnerable in this bruising indie drama about mixed martial arts fighting. He’s “touching” and could well be nominated for awards.

Direction & Writing

Benny Safdie wears multiple hats in this production – director, writer, co-producer, and editor – and his vision is clear throughout. The storytelling is raw and immersive, blending intense sports sequences with intimate personal moments. The pacing keeps audiences engaged, balancing the thrill of the sport with introspective drama.

Johnson is impressively vulnerable when Kerr is losing control of his life, and scarily unstable when he bickers with his Dawn

Safdie’s writing is layered, capturing both the physical and emotional tolls of competitive sports. Dialogue feels organic, and the narrative does not shy away from the darker aspects of fame, addiction, and personal struggles.

Cinematography & Editing

The cinematography is gritty yet cinematic, perfectly capturing the high-octane energy of the sporting world. Close-up shots during fights or competitions heighten tension, while slower, contemplative sequences provide insight into the character’s inner world.

Editing, also handled by Safdie, is crisp and deliberate, creating a rhythm that mirrors the unpredictability of a sports career – moments of calm punctuated by explosive action.

Soundtrack & Sound Design

The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, blending adrenaline-pumping tracks with quieter, emotional compositions. Sound design in the sports sequences is immersive, making the audience feel the intensity and impact of every hit and every decisive moment.

Themes & Impact

The Smashing Machine is more than a sports drama; it’s a study of human resilience, ambition, and vulnerability. Themes of mental health, pressure, addiction, and the cost of glory are explored thoughtfully, making it resonate beyond just fans of sports films.

It also sparks conversations about how society views athletes and the hidden personal battles behind public success.

Pros

• Strong, layered performances, particularly by the lead
• Immersive, intense sports sequences
• Raw and authentic storytelling
• Gritty yet cinematic visuals
• Thought-provoking exploration of fame, pressure, and resilience

Cons

• Some may find the pacing uneven in slower, character-driven moments
• Heavy focus on personal struggles might feel intense for casual viewers

Verdict & Rating

The Smashing Machine is a powerful, emotionally charged sports drama that goes beyond the ring to explore the human side of athletic greatness. Benny Safdie’s multi-faceted involvement ensures a cohesive vision, and the film succeeds as both an adrenaline-filled sports spectacle and a poignant character study.

Kerr is never described as The Smashing Machine in the dialogue, so we’re left to ponder whether the name refers to him, or to the brutal sport he gave so much to, or to life itself.

MyTrip Malaysia Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

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