📽 Some films are love letters to the audience, others are a love letter to the Oscars — an attempt to please critics and tip the scales in hopes of an award (or five). The Smashing Machine falls under the latter category. In his latest film, director Benny Safdie (parting ways with his brother Josh, with whom he’s known for films like Uncut Gems) banks on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The film’s plot covers the years from 1997 to 2000 in the life of US wrestler and MMA champion Mark Kerr (Johnson). Kerr is introduced as a brilliant undefeated champion until he experiences his first glaring defeat in a world championship in Japan. Kerr falls into depression, finding solace in opioids and ruining his health in the process. We then meet his girlfriend, Dawn (Emily Blunt), with whom he shares a tumultuous yet loving relationship. Soon enough, Kerr sets his mind on recovery with the help of Dawn, and his friend and athletic frenemy Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader).

A new side to The Rock: For as long as memory could recall, Johnson had limited himself to a certain typecast — himself. In The Smashing Machine, he proves that diamonds do indeed hide in the rough. Johnson was given space to deliver a performance that is new to the veteran actor and wrestler — one that veers from the usual cookie-cutter action movie slop (and sets him up for a Best Actor award). The film’s strength lies in its cast’s performances, all of whom masterfully embody their characters’ emotions and complexities.

That said, their acting doesn’t quite make up for an oftentimes underdeveloped plot. Kerr’s addiction felt like a piece of information reluctantly given to the audience. Despite Johnson and Bader delivering one of the film’s best scenes, the audience is fed crumbs about the details of his addiction and his recovery. The removal of what is undoubtedly an emotional cornerstone of their friendship leaves the relationship between Kerr and Coleman feeling hollow, disserviced by the actors’ scant chemistry.

Is it worth your time? Yes. Despite certain fallbacks, the film’s originality and cinematography stands out, capturing the essence of the late ‘90s. The Smashing Machine marks a pivotal new moment in The Rock’s career, and we’re excited to see what he does next. Were expectations overblown? Perhaps, especially after Safdie earned Best Director at the Venice Film Festival with the movie receiving a 15-minute standing ovation. Our final verdict? Don’t expect a full-blown biopic, but a powerful drama about a man, his partner, and his friend as they navigate through life.

WHERE TO WATCH- The Smashing Machine is screening at Vox Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria. You can also catch the movie at City Stars Cinema, Scene Cinema at D5 and CFCM, Cima Arkan, P90 Cinema, and Zawya. You can find the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:30).

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