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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
While The Iron Claw may not be necessarily treading new ground, the film succeeds in its execution and powerful performances. Writer-director Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene, Prime Video’s Dead Ringers) masterfully presents a no-nonsense look into the infamous Von Erich wrestling family and their true story that was marred by tragedy. The narrative centers on Zac Efron (Neighbors, The Disaster Artist, The Greatest Showman) as the family’s middle brother, Kevin Von Erich. Quite simply put, Efron puts on the best performance of his career.
All Grown Up
Efron burst onto the film scene in Disney’s massively popular High School Musical trilogy. He’s come a long way since his days on the Disney Channel, especially in his portrayal of Kevin Von Erich. Physical transformation aside, Efron displays an amazing wave of maturity in his demeanor. Kevin endures an alarming amount of adversity and tragic circumstances. Through his eyes, we live through his ups and downs and Efron shines throughout.
From the start, there is an immense amount of pressure laid upon the Von Erich brothers. We feel it gradually build through every beat of the story. Holt McCallany plays Fritz Von Erich, the head of the family and the president of the National Wrestling Alliance. The Von Erich patriarch is loving but terrifyingly intense. Fritz lays a heavy burden of high expectations on all of his sons. Of them all, Kevin feels it the most. Thanks to Efron’s efforts, we too, feel the weight placed on his shoulders.
Through A Sharp Lens
The sheer visual beauty of The Iron Claw should definitely present Sean Durkin as a filmmaker to watch. The storytelling is straightforward, but it’s gorgeously packaged with a golden color palette. Sharp fluid editing by Matthew Hannam perfectly weaves Mátyás Erdély’s subtle photography. It’s not overly flashy and its dedication to realism is distinct. Although most people generally know that professional wrestling is heavily scripted, films like The Iron Claw truly put the skills of the athletes on full display. The opening prologue, especially, is fantastic. It’s very reminiscent of Scorsese’s Raging Bull with its black-and-white photography and striking style. There’s nothing “fake” about the physical trauma and abuse that professional wrestlers deal with daily. The portrayal of Kerry Von Erich captures this devastation perfectly thanks to up-and-coming star Jeremy Allen White (Showtime’s Shameless, FX’s The Bear).
A Family Triumphant
Sharp visuals and heartbreaking moments aside, The Iron Claw‘s finest details lie within its talented ensemble cast. Each member of the family makes their moments and scenes count. Lily James’s (Cinderella, Downton Abbey, Baby Driver, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) Pam charms her way into Kevin Von Erich’s heart while Maura Tierney’s Doris Von Erich keeps the family together. Tierney put on an understated yet powerful performance that makes just as much of an impact as Efron’s lead role.
A film defined by so much turmoil and sorrow also brings with it an equal amount of joy and hope. Real life can be a relentless, never-ending rollercoaster ride. One’s family can help provide solace and comfort through those bad times as well as keep you grounded during the wonderful emotional highs. That is what stuck with me the most after seeing The Iron Claw. It is truly one of the very best films of 2023!
4.5/5
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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days on my Nintendo Switch, I can be found at concerts or playing basketball.
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