Parijat Ghosh 
The response to The Smashing Machine’s Venice Film Festival premiere was tremendous. A 15-minute standing ovation was given to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is typically the face of action-packed blockbusters. He was moved to tears by the applause, which marked the beginning of a new phase in his acting career as well as audience appreciation. Big news, right? Let’s talk about the movie.
The Role That Redefines The Rock
The Benny Safdie-directed film chronicles the struggles of UFC legend Mark Kerr with addiction, inner demons, and the crippling weight of celebrity. Johnson presents a broken but resolute man by removing his typical exaggerated demeanour. His performance is hailed by critics as “extraordinary” and even “a revelation.” It’s something deeper, rawer, and much more vulnerable than the Rock we know.
Emily Blunt Shines in a Supporting Role
Critics call Emily Blunt’s performance alongside Johnson “sensational.” She portrays Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn, who acts as both his mirror and his anchor. Blunt gives the narrative warmth and grit, establishing a dynamic that strikes a balance between Johnson’s resiliency and vulnerability. The addition of genuine chemistry adds an emotional wave to a movie that is primarily about vicious fights.
A Different Kind of Sports Drama
The Smashing Machine steers clear of excessive dramatisation, in contrast to the conventional rise-and-fall sports biopic. Safdie prioritises intimacy over spectacle, emphasising private failures, silent battles, and emotional breakdowns over ostentatious triumphs. Even though the fight scenes are compelling, the human story feels more important. Johnson’s casting was described by The Guardian as “the only possible choice” for this role, demonstrating how well he suited Kerr’s complexity.
Critical Praise—and Some Reservations
Most reviews are favourable, and some publications even allude to Johnson’s Oscar potential. The film was hailed by Vulture as “the softest, gentlest film you’ll ever see about a guy who beats people up for a living.” However, not every critic was entirely happy. According to some, the movie underplays some aspects of the relationship by ignoring its supporting cast, especially Dawn. Nonetheless, the general consensus among critics is one of admiration, particularly for Johnson’s audacious metamorphosis.
Is Oscar Buzz On For The Rock?
The movie ends with a man struggling with his humanity rather than a victorious victory. It’s possible that Academy voters adore that honesty. According to early forecasts, Johnson may receive his first Oscar nomination, marking a turning point in his career from movie star to serious actor.
The Smashing Machine is a raw, emotional journey that defies expectations; it’s not just another sports film. This film feels destined to spark conversations well into awards season, with Safdie crafting an intimate lens, Blunt and Johnson delivering powerful performances, and critics buzzing with praise. The movie isn’t far from release either. The Smashing Movie releases in the USA on October 3, 2025.
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