The Smashing Machine Review Roundup: Is Dwayne Johnson’s Latest a Knockout?

The Smashing Machine Review buzz is heating up as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s latest venture with A24 premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025.

Critics and audiences alike are weighing in on this gritty biopic, where Johnson portrays mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.

With the film set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025, early reactions offer a mix of praise for Johnson’s performance and debates about the story’s depth.

Let’s dive into the fresh takes shaping the conversation.

What Are Critics Saying About the Acting?

Critics have showered praise on Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into Mark Kerr. The BBC review from September 1, 2025, calls his performance “vulnerable” and predicts an Oscar-worthy turn, noting his departure from the invincible “Rock” persona.

Rotten Tomatoes, updated September 23, 2025, gives it a 87% approval rating based on early reviews, with Nerdist highlighting Johnson’s “outstanding” and “vulnerable” portrayal on September 23, 2025.

Emily Blunt, playing Kerr’s wife Dawn, also earns acclaim for adding depth, though some feel her role lacks development.

On the flip side, a few voices, like Nerdist, suggest the supporting cast, including Blunt, isn’t given enough to work with, hinting at a narrative focus skewed toward Johnson.

Still, the consensus leans toward his acting as a standout, pushing boundaries beyond his usual action-hero mold.

How Does the Story Hold Up?

The storyline of The Smashing Machine has sparked mixed reactions. The BBC describes it as a “bruising indie drama” closer to Raging Bull than a typical sports film, focusing on Kerr’s rise and fall in the chaotic early days of MMA.

Rotten Tomatoes cites a review calling it a “visceral descent into a fractured psyche,” emphasizing its psychological depth.

However, Nerdist on September 23, 2025, labels it a “hollow hagiography,” suggesting it leans too heavily on Johnson’s performance without fully exploring Kerr’s life.

Factually, the film covers Kerr’s career from 1997 to 1999, as confirmed by IMDb’s synopsis, with director Benny Safdie drawing from real-life struggles with addiction and violence.

While some praise its authenticity, others feel it misses a chance to innovate within the biopic genre.

What About the Direction and Production?

Benny Safdie’s direction receives a warm reception, with the BBC noting his shift from frenetic pacing to a more reflective style, influenced by his work on Good Time. A24’s involvement, known for bold indie films, adds a unique flavor, as mentioned in Variety’s September 2, 2025, coverage.

The production’s gritty aesthetic and Safdie’s focus on early MMA chaos earn nods, with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting the film’s “subversive punch.”

Yet, some critics, like Nerdist, argue it doesn’t match the intensity of Safdie’s past projects, suggesting a more conventional approach. The film’s October 3 release date, backed by A24’s marketing, sets high expectations for its theatrical run.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Get ready to be floored! The Smashing Machine Review reveals a film that’s part triumph, part puzzle, with Dwayne Johnson delivering a career-defining punch.

Whether it’s a knockout or a split decision depends on your taste, but one thing’s clear: this biopic is shaking up the ring.

Grab your popcorn and see where this journey takes you when it drops next month!