Movie Review: The Iron Claw

Michael’s Movie Grade: A-

An emotionally devastating film. 

As someone who has never paid attention to wrestling (and having never heard of the real life people on whose lives this is based), I came into this movie having no idea what to expect.  I certainly did not expect to leave the theater as emotionally devastated as I did. This film is an all out tragedy disguised as a sports movie. While there are gleanings of the tragedy that is to come early on in the film, it takes a while for the movie to become a full tragedy. This is the perfect way to tell such a story. It gives us time to connect with and care about these characters. If it didn’t do this then the movie would have no point but being depressing. 

Instead this is a film about this family first and foremost. It is about the strong bond these brothers have and how they pretty much go through hell for each other. It is about a dad that is so obsessed with what he never achieved himself that he is willing to push his sons incredibly past their breaking point. It is about a religious mom, who is often regulated to the background but whose loving heart helps keep the family together. While this is far from your traditional family, this is a film about family, both at their best and at their worst. And though it may not be a feel-good movie (by any means), it has just as much heart as any of the more traditional sports movies. Because of this the film manages to be both gripping and hard to watch at the same time. Though much of the movie is emotionally draining, you care so much about these characters and their story that you can’t stop watching. 

This movie also benefits from some incredible performances by the whole cast. However Zac Efron is the stand out here. If you haven’t taken him seriously as an actor before this, you will after. 

This is a great film but just know it will leave you emotionally wrecked.