The story of the Von Erich family is one of triumph and tragedy. To many pro wrestling fans, they are considered royalty. From a young age director Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Nest) had an ambition to create a film detailing the family’s life. Not only were the Von Erichs renowned for their wrestling skills, they were also known for a string of familial tragedies. In his third feature film The Iron Claw, Durkin set out to tell their story.
The film details the lives of the Von Erich brothers: David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), Kevin (Zac Efron), and Mike (Stanley Simons), specifically focusing on the life of Kevin Von Erich. The patriarch of the family is Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) an ex-pro wrestler who pushed his boys to become pro wrestlers just like their father. We watch as the boys all take a turn in the wrestling world. Each being pushed to be the best and bring home the wrestling world champion belt in the Von Erich name. Unfortunately, wrestling is not the only thing associated with the Von Erich name. From the beginning of the movie, we are made aware of the Von Erich curse. A curse that was supposedly thrown upon the family when Fritz changed his last name from Adkisson to Von Erich. Like Kevin Von Erich, we are powerless as we watch tragedy after tragedy befall the family. The Iron Claw is a film about brotherhood and how family affects our lives. Are the Von Erichs cursed or is it a string of consequential tragedies that all lead back to their father?
The Iron Claw is a solid movie. Director Sean Durkin does an incredible job of making the film feels like it’s in the early 80s. From the outfits to the hair to the locations, nothing feels like it would’ve been out of place in that time period. The cinematography is also incredible, especially in the wrestling scenes. The directing, cinematography, music, and acting all come together to create incredible wrestling. The film is also very well acted. Zac Efron gives his best performance yet as Kevin Von Erich. He brings depth and care to the role leading many to ponder the possibility of an Oscar nomination. The rest of the cast also bring their A-game. Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, and Stanley Simons all bring so much life to their roles as the other Von Erich brothers. As well as Holt McCallany who is haunting as Fritz Von Erich. Overall, The Iron Claw is the perfect blend of drama and sports film. Having both great sports sequences and truly heartbreaking moments.
Overall, The Iron Claw is a good movie with a solid emotional core, great acting, and great cinematography. But like most movies, it is not without problems. The pacing throughout the film is a bit wonky leading to some scenes not having the intended impact. The film has no problem getting its emotional moments across but with better pacing, it could have had even greater impact. Due to the number of tragic events covered in the film, there is simply not enough time to sit with each one before moving on to the next. Sean Durkin even decided to omit the story of the youngest Von Erich brother Chris, believing the movie was already too depressing and could not withstand another tragedy. Perhaps this story was more suited to a mini-series where we could spend proper time with each of the brothers, as well as the necessary time processing each of the tragedies. It is difficult to adapt a story like this into a 2-hour and 12-minute movie. Even though there could have been improvements, overall, Sean Durkin does an incredible job bringing this story to the big screen.
In conclusion, The Iron Claw is a movie for everyone, from pro wrestling super fans to people who haven’t heard of the Von Erich family before. The film excels in telling a heart-wrenching story of familial trauma and brotherhood. Definitely watch The Iron Claw but don’t forget a box of tissues.
3.5/5 STARS