Dwayne Johnson Stars in Biopic Depicting UFC Pioneer Mark Kerr's Life and MMA Origins

The film "The Smashing Machine," starring and produced by Dwayne Johnson, is a biopic about MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, focusing on his rise in the late 1990s, struggles with addiction, and personal relationships rather than just fighting. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie aims for an observational, realistic style, reflecting Safdie's unconventional approach to sports biopics, but some critics find it lacks emotional depth and clear narrative focus. Johnson delivers one of his best dramatic performances, portraying Kerr's complex character—a successful fighter battling painkiller addiction and personal turmoil. Emily Blunt plays Kerr's girlfriend Dawn, a role inspired by the real Dawn Staples-Kerr, though some reviews note her character is underdeveloped. The film also touches on the early days of MMA when the sport faced political backlash and bans, highlighting Kerr's physical and mental battles both inside and outside the ring. While the movie respects the sport and Kerr's story, it is seen as a solid but somewhat restrained portrait that may not fully engage all viewers.