The Iron Claw opens in theaters Friday, December 22.

Director Sean Durkin’s Vision for The Iron Claw

Director Sean Durkin’s passion for wrestling shines through in The Iron Claw. The film is a biopic that chronicles the legendary Von Erich wrestling dynasty, a story that Durkin has been dedicated to bringing to the screen for years. This dedication allows him to bring forth the good, the bad, and the ugly of the wrestling industry, which has evolved significantly since the 1970s but still has room for growth. This sentiment rings true for both wrestling as a whole and the culture that surrounds it.

It’s the culture of wrestling that drives the story between Jack “Fritz Von Ehrich” Adkisson (Holt McCallany) and his sons Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons). The unbreakable bond between the Von Erich brothers is truly the heart of The Iron Claw, similar to what you’d expect from any sports drama based on a true story. However, some aspects of the film fall short.

The Iron Claw Gallery

Durkin’s love for wrestling and the chemistry between Efron, White, Dickinson, and Simons are commendable; however, they are not enough on their own. The Iron Claw struggles with balancing its role as a biopic while also striving to provide emotional closure for the surviving Von Erich family members. This dichotomy affects the entire film.

The Von Erich boys had a complex relationship with their father, and in depicting this, Durkin appears to have been inclined to brush over certain events in favor of paying homage to the family’s legacy. As a result, the film leaves the audience with little to no insight into the fate of Fritz Von Erich, instead choosing to focus on the impact he had on his sons. This competing narrative focus creates inconsistencies in The Iron Claw.

Another perplexing aspect of The Iron Claw is the departure from factual events to incorporate speculative and surreal elements. While these scenes may be jarring, they are a stark contrast to the emotional core of the film.

Beyond its flaws, The Iron Claw manages to capture the essence of brotherly love, despite the lack of chemistry between Efron and Lily James, who portrays Kevin’s wife, Pam Adkisson. The film boasts strong performances from the cast, with Efron and White delivering particularly notable portrayals.

For wrestling enthusiasts, The Iron Claw offers moments to savor. Despite its shortcomings, the film is undeniably a testament to a family that has weathered tragic circumstances. However, The Iron Claw struggles to define its identity.