Directed by Sean Durkin, 'The Iron Claw' tells the tragic story of the Von Erick family of professional wrestlers and their struggles with ambition and legacy in the 1980s-1990s. Read the review of the film here.
Zac Efron-starrer 'The Iron Claw' is now streaming on Lionsgate Play.
Mumbai,UPDATED: Jun 15, 2024 12:23 IST
Telling a story which is already known can be quite a risk, but ‘The Iron Claw’ really hits the ball out of the park. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film is about Von Erick and his family of professional wrestlers who are believed to be ‘cursed’. Well, not literally but figurative - cursed by the tragedy of being 'overambitious’.
Set in the 1980s-1990s, the film shows how the three sons of Fritz Von Erich, the owner of a wrestling company, struggle to keep afloat and chase an immortal legacy in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling. They seek it at the personal cost of elusive happiness and family life. Yes, they remain immortal in memories, but their lives aren’t really the ‘ideal’ one. It is tragic beyond measure, to say the least.
Watch the trailer here:
Led by a stellar Zac Efron, who plays the older brother Kevin, the film also sees Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, and Lily James in pivotal roles. They bring measured vulnerability to the act without compromising on the not-so-glorious side of chasing a legacy.
Director Durkin keeps it sombre with the story spinning around family dynamics and brotherhood amid a burning desire for ambitions. What’s interesting is how a film about professional wrestling, which is all about machismo on the surface, is quite tender and full of human emotions beneath.
The production and set really teleports you to the early 1980s-90s with picturesque spots and vintage camera-like textures being used. The era is captured to the T in motion and in subtext. The film does not shy away from showing toxic masculinity for what it is. There is no glorification, only facts. In fact, you feel sorry for them in moments where you see the ‘American-caged’ dream mindset overpowering their human instincts and a hit to their mental health.
The way sports is used to tell the story of their struggle is effortless and the attempt to keep it authentic can be seen. It is hard-hitting and emotional but doesn’t compromise on the entertainment quotient. There is enough action for one to feel that adrenaline rush.
Amongst others, Zac as Kevin really offers a great performance. You root for Kevin more because of how Efron can portray him with sensitivity yet firmness. There is no effort to whitewash. You see him for what he is - flawed but wanting to be a good brother, pensive yet heart-wrenching.
‘The Iron Claw’ is a moving film that leaves you feeling sorrowful yet cathartic. The film is now available on Lionsgate Play India.
Published By:
Zinia Bandyopadhyay
Published On:
Jun 15, 2024
English (US) ·