The Smashing Machine Trailer Review: Dwayne Johnson’s Raw Transformation in A24’s Gritty MMA Biopic

The Smashing Machine Trailer Review you’ve been waiting for is here! A24 dropped the first trailer for The Smashing Machine on April 29, 2025, and it’s a knockout. Directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr, this biographical sports drama promises a raw, emotional dive into the brutal world of UFC’s no-holds-barred era.

With Emily Blunt as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples and a cast packed with real MMA fighters, the trailer sets the stage for a film that’s as much about personal struggle as it is about physical combat. Let’s break down everything the trailer reveals, from Johnson’s unrecognizable transformation to Safdie’s gritty storytelling.

What Makes Dwayne Johnson’s Transformation So Striking?

The trailer opens with a bloodied Mark Kerr, played by Johnson, in a doctor’s waiting room, his face altered by prosthetics to mirror the real-life fighter. Fans of The Rock’s larger-than-life persona will be shocked—gone is the charismatic action hero. Instead, Johnson dons an Ohio accent and a weathered look, embodying Kerr’s physical and emotional toll.

According to Variety, Johnson trained intensely in MMA to capture Kerr’s aggressive fighting style, and the trailer showcases this with visceral fight scenes. His bulked-up physique, combined with facial prosthetics, makes him nearly unrecognizable, a testament to his commitment to this dramatic role.

The trailer’s use of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” adds a haunting contrast to the brutal imagery, hinting at Kerr’s inner conflict. Johnson’s performance appears to be a career-defining pivot, as IndieWire notes Safdie praising his ability to convey “fears, love, sadness, and happiness.” This transformation isn’t just physical—it’s a deep dive into Kerr’s psyche, making The Smashing Machine a potential awards contender.

How Does the Trailer Capture Mark Kerr’s Story?

Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, was a dominant force in the late ’90s and early 2000s, but his life was marred by addiction and personal turmoil. The trailer leans into this, showing Kerr’s highs—crowds cheering, titles won—and lows, like punching a wooden door in frustration. It draws inspiration from the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, which chronicled Kerr’s painkiller addiction and strained relationships.

The trailer’s narrative focuses on the year 2000, a peak in Kerr’s career but also a breaking point. We see glimpses of his relationship with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt, whose tense interactions suggest a love tested by Kerr’s chaotic lifestyle. Deadline describes the film as exploring “addiction, winning, love, and friendship,” and the trailer balances these themes with raw intensity. A scene of Kerr in the ring, bloodied but unyielding, underscores his nickname, “The Smashing Machine,” earned for his relentless style.

What Role Does Benny Safdie’s Direction Play?

Benny Safdie, known for high-stress films like Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh, steps out solo for The Smashing Machine. The trailer reflects his signature gritty aesthetic—shaky camera work, dim lighting, and unflinching close-ups of violence. The Guardian highlights this as Safdie’s first solo directorial effort, and the trailer suggests he’s pushing boundaries with a mix of sports drama and psychological depth.

Safdie’s involvement is a draw for cinephiles, especially after his acting role in Oppenheimer. The trailer’s editing, which he co-handled, is tight, weaving between Kerr’s public triumphs and private breakdowns. Blavity notes the film’s “indescribable tone,” with early test screenings calling it a “spoof of the biopic genre” and one of A24’s weirdest projects yet.

This unconventional approach could make The Smashing Machine stand out in a crowded awards season.

Who Else Stars in the Film?

Emily Blunt shines as Dawn Staples, bringing emotional weight to Kerr’s turbulent relationship. Her chemistry with Johnson, seen in Jungle Cruise, adds authenticity to their scenes. The trailer shows Blunt’s character grappling with Kerr’s destructive tendencies, a dynamic EW describes as tense yet compelling.

The supporting cast includes MMA and boxing stars like Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, lending credibility to the fight scenes. Their presence, as Bleeding Cool notes, ensures authenticity, with Usyk’s real-world boxing prowess adding grit to the ring. Lyndsey Gavin and Zoe Kosovic round out the ensemble, though their roles remain unclear from the trailer.

Why Is A24 Banking on This Film?

A24’s track record with prestige dramas like The Iron Claw and Moonlight positions The Smashing Machine as a potential awards darling. The trailer’s release, timed for October 3, 2025, screams Oscars campaign, as Just Jared speculates Johnson could snag a nomination.

A24’s marketing, including a striking poster and UFC promotional push, aims to draw both mainstream and indie audiences. The trailer’s reception on X is electric, with posts from the leading man of the film himself and @NextBestPicture hyping its intensity.

Fans praise Johnson’s departure from blockbusters, and FilmAgeStudios calls it a high bar for sports biopics. A24’s investment, coupled with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, signals confidence in its box office and critical potential.

What Challenges Does the Trailer Hint At?

The trailer doesn’t shy away from the sport’s brutality or Kerr’s personal demons, which could alienate viewers expecting a typical sports triumph story. Its hard R rating, per JoBlo, suggests graphic content that might limit its audience.

Additionally, the trailer teases a fictional showdown between Kerr and Mark Coleman, which JoBlo notes never happened, raising questions about dramatic liberties.

Early test screenings, per MovieWeb, describe the film as tonally unique, which could be a double-edged sword. If it leans too experimental, it risks losing mainstream appeal. Yet, this boldness is what makes A24 films like Everything Everywhere All at Once resonate, so it’s a calculated gamble.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Smashing Machine trailer is a gut-punch, showcasing Dwayne Johnson like never before in a role that could redefine his career. Benny Safdie’s raw direction, Emily Blunt’s emotional depth, and A24’s prestige backing make this a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and character studies alike.

The Smashing Machine Trailer Review reveals a film poised to dominate awards season while delivering a visceral look at MMA’s golden age.

Mark your calendars for October 3, 2025, and let us know your thoughts on the trailer below!