Dwayne Johnson Stars as UFC Pioneer Mark Kerr in Gritty Drama 'The Smashing Machine'

Dwayne Johnson takes a dramatic turn in "The Smashing Machine," portraying mixed martial arts pioneer Mark Kerr in a gritty sports biopic that delves into Kerr's struggles with opioid addiction and the brutal early days of UFC. Johnson undergoes a significant physical transformation with prosthetics by Oscar-winning artist Kazu Hiro and adopts a quieter, more vulnerable demeanor, marking a notable departure from his usual charismatic action roles. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film uses a cinéma vérité style to recreate the intense, violent world of late 1990s MMA, drawing from the 2002 documentary on Kerr's life. While Johnson's performance is praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, some critics find the film itself less compelling, citing limited emotional range and the heavy prosthetics affecting expressiveness. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr's girlfriend, adding complexity to the portrayal of personal struggles amidst the sport's harsh realities. Both actors have discussed the emotional challenges of their roles in interviews, highlighting the film's focus on addiction and the toll of fighting both inside and outside the cage.