“The Iron Claw” (2024)

Drama

Running Time: 132 minutes

Written and directed by: Sean Durkin

Featuring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany and Lily James

Kevin Von Erich: “Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed. Mom tried to protect us with God. Dad tried to protect us with wrestling. He said if we were the toughest, the strongest, nothing could ever hurt us. I believed him. We all did.”

Sean Durkin’s “The Iron Claw” is a film that packs a hefty punch, both literally and figuratively. It’s a sprawling biopic chronicling the rise and fall of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, a family whose story is as intertwined with triumph as it is with tragedy. Buckle up, wrestling fans and cinephiles alike, because we’re about to enter a ring where the stakes are high, the blood is real, and the emotional impact is undeniable.

Let’s start with the powerhouse performance of Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, the golden boy of the family. Efron sheds his Hollywood heartthrob persona and undergoes a complete physical and emotional transformation. He bulks up, sports a blonde mullet, and channels Kevin’s intensity and vulnerability with raw authenticity. Every drop of sweat, every grimace of pain, feels genuine, pulling you into the gruelling world of professional wrestling.

But “The Iron Claw” is more than just a wrestling spectacle. It’s a nuanced exploration of a family ravaged by tragedy. The film delves into the dark side of fame, the destructive pressure placed on these brothers by their overbearing father (played with chilling intensity by Holt McCallany), and the devastating toll it takes on their mental and physical health. We witness the domino effect of loss, each tragedy chipping away at the family’s fragile foundation, leaving us heartbroken and grappling with the complexities of grief and addiction.

Durkin masterfully blends historical accuracy with a touch of magical realism, blurring the lines between lived experience and wrestling lore. This approach enhances the film’s emotional impact, allowing us to truly feel the larger-than-life presence of the Von Erichs and the myths that continue to surround them. The cinematography is equally captivating, capturing the grit and glamour of the wrestling world with a raw immediacy.

However, “The Iron Claw” is not for the faint of heart. The film tackles sensitive topics like suicide and mental health with unflinching honesty, and the wrestling scenes can be brutal and unforgiving. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you pondering the cost of fame, the complexities of family dynamics, and the enduring legacy of a family forever etched in wrestling history.

When it comes to wrestling films, “The Iron Claw” occupies a unique space. It’s not a pure sports movie like “The Wrestler” or “Creed,” nor is it a light-hearted romp like “Nacho Libre.” Instead, it delves into the dark underbelly of the industry, weaving a tragic family saga intertwined with the highs and lows of professional wrestling. So, where does it stand amongst other biopics and wrestling-themed films?

Compared to other biopics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Rocketman,” “The Iron Claw” shuns the sugar-coated approach. It delves into the darker aspects of the Von Erich story, unafraid to portray the family’s struggles with addiction, mental health, and the devastating consequences of fame. While biographical films often portray their subjects as larger-than-life heroes, “The Iron Claw” humanizes the Von Erichs, exposing their vulnerabilities and the tragic realities that overshadowed their triumphs.

While wrestling forms the backdrop of the film, it’s not simply a glorified showcase of moves and matches. Unlike wrestling-centric films like “Moneyball” or “King Kong Bundy,” “The Iron Claw” uses the brutality of the ring as a metaphor for the family’s internal struggles. The violence and physical toll of wrestling mirror the emotional and mental trauma they endure, creating a potent thematic link that elevates the film beyond pure sports entertainment.

One of “The Iron Claw’s” strengths is its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics. It goes beyond the typical “dysfunctional family” trope, exploring the complex relationships between the Von Erich brothers, their father, and their wives. The film delves into the unhealthy pressure placed on the sons to succeed, the destructive competition between them, and the impact of their father’s controlling nature. This familial focus sets it apart from other wrestling films, which often prioritize spectacle over character development.

Unlike purely historical biopics, “The Iron Claw” employs a touch of magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and wrestling lore. This approach, while controversial, allows the film to capture the larger-than-life presence of the Von Erichs and the myths that surround them. It adds a layer of emotional resonance, allowing viewers to connect with the family on a deeper level than a straightforward historical drama could.

“The Iron Claw” throws a powerful punch, not just for its emotional depth but also for its plunge into the history of the Von Erich family and the electrifying world of professional wrestling in the 1980s. To truly appreciate the film’s impact, let’s step back in time and unpack the context that fuelled their rise and tragic fall.

The Von Erichs weren’t just wrestlers; they were Texas royalty. Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson), the family patriarch, had already carved a legendary career in the ring before passing the torch to his sons. David, Kevin, Kerry, and Mike all entered the family business, captivating audiences with their athleticism, charisma, and genuine Texan swagger. 

Their home turf was World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), a regional promotion based in Dallas, Texas. In the 1980s, WCCW became a wrestling hotbed, thanks in part to the Von Erichs. They drew rabid crowds, filling arenas with passionate fans cheering their every move. Their matches were electric, often blurring the lines between scripted drama and genuine emotion. 

The Von Erichs weren’t just crowd-pleasers; they were innovators. Kevin, known for wrestling barefoot, popularized the “Iron Claw” submission hold, a brutal yet visually striking manoeuvre that became his signature. Each brother developed their own distinct style, captivating audiences with high-flying acrobatics, powerful slams, and intense rivalries. 

Kerry Von Erich, nicknamed “The Texas Tornado,” became arguably the most successful of the brothers. His clashes with iconic figures like Ric Flair and The Fabulous Freebirds were legendary, drawing national attention and propelling both WCCW and the Von Erichs to mainstream fame. 

Unfortunately, the Von Erich story is also one of immense tragedy. David, the eldest brother, died by suicide in 1984, casting a dark shadow over the family. This was followed by a string of personal struggles and health issues that plagued the remaining brothers.

Kevin, plagued by injuries and personal demons, retired from wrestling in 1986. Mike followed suit in 1989 after suffering a horrific neck injury. Kerry, despite achieving success in other promotions, ultimately met a tragic end in 1990, dying by suicide.

Despite the tragedies, the Von Erichs’ legacy lives on. They remain synonymous with Texas wrestling, their influence felt throughout the industry. Their story, captured in “The Iron Claw,” serves as a reminder of both the exhilarating heights and the devastating lows that can accompany fame and athletic passion.

To fully appreciate the context of the Von Erichs’ rise and fall, we need to consider the broader picture of wrestling in the 1980s. This era saw a national boom in the sport, driven by larger-than-life personalities, captivating storylines, and the rise of cable television.

Promoters like Vince McMahon and Ted Turner capitalized on this boom, creating national wrestling empires like the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). WCCW, though a regional player, benefited from this national fervour, providing a platform for the Von Erichs to shine.

The Von Erichs’ impact wasn’t limited to Texas. Their talent and charisma caught the attention of national promotions, leading to appearances in the WWF and WCW. Kerry even held the prestigious WWF Intercontinental Championship, further cementing the family’s place in wrestling history.

The Von Erich story is a complex tapestry woven with ambition, triumph, and heartbreak. It’s a story that sheds light on the darker side of the wrestling industry, where the pressure to entertain can come at a devastating cost. “The Iron Claw,” by exploring this context, delivers a powerful and poignant tale that resonates far beyond the wrestling ring.

I hope this deeper dive into the historical context of the Von Erichs and 1980s wrestling has enriched your understanding of “The Iron Claw.” If you have any further interest in specific aspects of this era, feel free to ask!

“The Iron Claw” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that transcends the genre of biopic. It’s a human drama that grapples with universal themes of family, loss, and the pursuit of dreams, all wrapped in the electrifying world of professional wrestling. Zac Efron delivers a career-defining performance, and the film’s technical prowess and emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable experience.