The Verdict
"Dwayne Johnson goes the distance with his transformative turn as Mark Kerr inThe Smashing Machine, a gritty biopic that sidesteps cliché even at the expense of narrative satisfaction while still landing the dramatic body blows that count."
"WhileThe Smashing Machinemay not break any records as a sports classic, Dwayne Johnson’s knockout performance transforms a familiar story into an unexpectedly memorable experience."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Smashing Machine is a visionary Biography, Drama, Action, Sports film directed by the acclaimed Benny Safdie (Benny Safdie). Released in theaters on Oct 3, 2025, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Out for the Count and distributed by A24, the film features a runtime of 2h 3m.
The story follows the true story of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend -- and nearly cost him everything. Leading the cast are star performers Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R for Language and Some Drug Abuse, The Smashing Machine delivers a Dolby Digital audio experience presented in a Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Dwayne Johnson goes the distance with his transformative turn as Mark Kerr inThe Smashing Machine, a gritty biopic that sidesteps cliché even at the expense of narrative satisfaction while still landing the dramatic body blows that count."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"It'll be a hardsell for audiences to accept Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a genuine actor ready to emerge from the exhibitionist surface of his wrestler’s body and indestructible movie-star appeal. But he does that here and passes with flying colors."
"This is a machine not worth opposing. [Full review in Spanish]"
"Surprisingly, Johnson excels most in the dramatic scenes. The emotional tug-of-wars with Blunt and him are scorching."
"With the hair and makeup and change in voice cadence, you forget it’s The Rock for the most part, which really serves the film and Emily Blunt is fantastic as the troubled girlfriend but the story itself is surprisingly not that strong."
"This could be an award winner for Dwayne Johnson. This well-written film turns out to be the perfect vehicle to show that there is more to Johnson’s acting career than he has ever showed us before."
"Dropping into this film is mesmerizing. I loved the documentary film style of this work, and the costumes, set, hair, and makeup really transport you back to the late 90s, early 2000s."
Audience Reviews
A classic sports movie showing how to overcome adversity against all odds! One of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s best roles!
Loved it, very well directed with a very unique aesthetic to the film grain giving it that retro vibe and very great acting by Dwayne Johnson, definitely Oscar worthy and giving him the credit he deserves as an actor
Good actors, great story
I thought it was great movie great acting wish the fighting was more in depth but overall underrated movie
well the rock strikes again. he did good playing a UFC fighter mark kerr . good movie
The rock was great, movie was def slow, kinda boring at times
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Smashing Machine released?
The Smashing Machine hit theaters on Oct 3, 2025, Wide. It became available for streaming on Nov 4, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 3m. It falls under the Biography, Drama, Action, Sports genre, featuring a sound mix in Dolby Digital.
Who is the director of The Smashing Machine?
The movie is directed by Benny Safdie. The script was penned by Benny Safdie.
Who are the main actors in The Smashing Machine?
The top billed cast includes:
- Benny Safdie as Director
- Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
- Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
- Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman
- Bas Rutten as Self
Why is The Smashing Machine rated R?
It is rated R (Language and Some Drug Abuse)
Which studio produced the movie?
The Smashing Machine was produced by Out for the Count and distributed worldwide by A24.
About the movie
NEWThe true story of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend -- and nearly cost him everything.
- Director
- Benny Safdie
- Producers
- Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, David Koplan
- Screenwriter
- Benny Safdie
- Distributor
- A24
- Production
- Out for the Count
- Genre
- Biography, Drama, Action, Sports
- Release Date
- Oct 3, 2025, Wide
- Run Time
- 2h 3m
- Rating
- R
- Sound Mix
- Dolby Digital
- Aspect Ratio
- Flat (1.85:1)