Based on the 2002 HBO documentary with the same title of pioneer MMA, and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, “The Smashing Machine” is more about anguish than pain. The anguish of having a realization that all things are temporary and fleeting. An anguish that you can’t be a fighter forever, and an anguish that someone will always be better than you no matter how hard you train. On top of that the film conveys the theme that pain and glory is a lonely experience. An experience hard to fully disclose to someone. Lonely even if you have a supporting team in your life, or a partner. 

The film stars The Rock in the lead. With some facial prosthetics and a toned body plays a role that not only looks natural for him to do but definitely gets lost playing him. Many times you forget it’s him until the third act. In fact, overall where the film is excelling is in outstanding performances by everyone in front of the camera. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Emily Blunt gets a nomination for a supporting role for this film, she is just as equally sensational.  Both of them play their roles marvelously and convincingly as a couple that are ironing out the turbulence of being in a relationship, especially with two people that have gigantic flaws. Both having massive ego problems – Mark Kerr not accepting defeats, and Dawn not accepting her narcissism. But both can be tender and volatile to each other and the world.

Writer and Director Benny Safdie decides to use the same camera aesthetic and angle much like he did with his brother for “Uncut Gems”.  A documentary style of gritty home movie style, and placing the camera in numerous positions as if it were eavesdropping on the action. Also to note using the overhead tv projection camera for the fighting events gives the effective sense of realism. The cinematography and acting of course will get its recognition but for me the best aspect of the film is the editing. It is one of the best edited films of the year. The smoothness of the cuts and timing of cutting is a great compliment to the overall gritty rough documentary look of the film. It is the true standout for me. 

Where the film slips is in the third act and the ending. It feels flat. It feels to be wandering aimlessly to a conclusion then leading to it. The film has a lot to say and with great scenes and camera work within the first two parts of the film but that dynamic is lost in the third without a laser-beam focus it had starting out.  Much like Mark Kerr it didn’t know when to tap-out.  7.5/10