The Iron Claw Movie Review

December 30, 2023

The essence of 'The Iron Claw' mirrors the professional wrestling realm it portrays, inadvertently forming a connection. It exudes abundant energy and passion, evident in its earnest attempt to entertain and captivate. However, beneath the surface, it concludes with a sense of emptiness and superficiality.

It's regrettable because the authentic narrative of the Von Erich clan of Texas wrestlers is brimming with drama and tragedy, akin to a Kennedyesque tale of outsized sorrow. Sean Durkin, the writer-director, has assembled an extraordinary cast featuring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Holt McCallany to portray them. However, the characters find themselves confined to one-dimensional roles; their evolution remains minimal despite the tumultuous events they faced during the relatively short period from the mid-'80s to the early '90s.

Efron takes on the role of Kevin Von Erich, consistently portraying the good-hearted leader whose primary desire is to spend time with his brothers. White, as Kerry Von Erich, embodies a self-destructive persona grappling with substance abuse. Dickinson, portraying David Von Erich, captures the essence of a natural showman who carries guilt for surpassing Kevin as the family's face. The youngest sibling, Mike Von Erich (Stanley Simons), has different aspirations—he prefers music over wrestling. However, like his brothers, he struggles to fit in and competes for his father’s approval. McCallany commands a formidable presence as the larger-than-life patriarch, Fritz Von Erich, a former professional wrestler who orchestrates competitions among his children, pushing them to their limits in his quest for vicarious glory. Despite the numerous heartaches the family endures, each character's portrayal remains consistently pitched at the same level.

In reality, there was another Von Erich brother, Chris, who was even younger, yet the film completely omits his presence. Durkin has clarified that this decision, while challenging, was made for narrative coherence. However, the omission seems perplexing, considering 'The Iron Claw' centers around the transcendent strength of the fraternal bond and the toxic insularity within the family. Chris is never acknowledged, yet some of his traits surface in Mike, creating an odd dynamic.

I express this sentiment as a devoted fan of Durkin’s prior works, particularly his profoundly unsettling 2011 debut, “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” which propelled Elizabeth Olsen into the spotlight, and the unfortunately overlooked gem “The Nest,” showcasing powerhouse performances by Carrie Coon and Jude Law. Cinematographer Mátyás Erdély, who also lensed “The Nest,” skillfully cultivates a steamy, enclosed tension that suggests an impending explosion from anything or anyone at any given moment. Despite the evident performative brutality, “The Iron Claw” manages to maintain a surprisingly understated tone.

The overall atmosphere is undeniably melancholic—or, at least, it should be. However, the film falls short in establishing a genuine human connection between the brothers. Even though Lily James injects a welcomed spark as Pam, the flirtatious fan who evolves into Kevin’s wife and the mother of his children, their conversations seem to follow a uniform rhythm and lack a distinctive purpose

The film exhibits a notable sense of style, commencing with a grainy, black-and-white flashback to Fritz’s heyday in the 1960s. “The Iron Claw” often revels in the flamboyant, period-specific aesthetics, embracing the allure of bad hair and questionable fashion in an enjoyable manner. The montage depicting the Von Erichs' discovery of their anthem—the iconic “Tom Sawyer”—carries a dynamic energy reminiscent of Scorsese’s cinematic vigor. (And for the avid Rush fans, the film features the complete song.)

On the note of physical prowess, the showcased athleticism and the evident effort to attain such bulk are undeniably impressive. Efron, already in good shape, undergoes a remarkable transformation, rendering himself nearly unrecognizable as a beast. Granted, some concessions must be made regarding the height disparity—Kerry Von Erich stood at 6-foot-2, whereas Jeremy Allen White does not. Nevertheless, White brings a subdued, brooding intensity to the role, prompting a wish for his dedication to serve a more intricate character. The entire cast rises to the emotional demands of the material, with Efron delivering one of his finest performances, and Maura Tierney, portraying the family’s matriarch, evoking a tangible sense of loss.

However, "The Iron Claw" often sacrifices crucial character development in favor of covering more historical ground. Furthermore, it introduces an ill-conceived, magical realism quality towards the end, creating a discord with the preceding narrative. This is also where the absence of Chris Von Erich becomes particularly conspicuous. While longtime wrestling enthusiasts might relish revisiting the excesses of this era, casual viewers might find themselves inclined to disengage.

The film is set to open on December 22nd.