Review: Sean Durkin’s ‘The Iron Claw’ Turns Passion Into Obsession
by Manuel São Bento
December 21, 2023
As someone who grew up a fan of wrestling but had little knowledge of the pre-WWE generations, including the legendary Von Erich family, I was certainly interested in what a biographical film based on this family could add to my enjoyment of the entertainment sport. I also had never seen any of director Sean Durkin’s previous films (Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Nest, this year’s “Dead Ringers” series) before watching The Iron Claw, so for me personally, the main draws were definitely the subject matter and cast, who will undoubtedly get some sort of recognition & accolades during the awards season this year. One of the film’s most resonant themes is the exploration of how passion can transform into an unhealthy obsession, even more so when passed down through generations and driven by the overwhelming weight of rigid parenting.
The Iron Claw tells a tragic story that unravels the mental health struggles, overwhelming pressure, and stifling lack of freedom that accompany the burden of carrying on a family legacy, in this case, in the world of professional wrestling. Durkin carefully navigates the delicate line between the pursuit of one’s passion and perilous descent into obsession, painting a picture of the toll it takes on individuals and their families.
The film goes beyond the confines of the wrestling ring, referencing their pursuit as a metaphor for the broader human experience. Durkin portrays a family’s journey through not merely personal struggles but a generational curse perpetuated by the stringent expectations and unyielding demands of patriarchal figures. The filmmaker emphasizes the idea that the quest for greatness often comes at a profound cost. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the relentless pressure to uphold a legacy, an obligation that infiltrates every aspect of their lives. The “duty” becomes a psychological vice, squeezing the joy out of their achievements, and leaving them trapped in a never-ending cycle of performance for approval.
Another admirable detail within The Iron Claw is its message surrounding the authenticity of professional wrestling. While acknowledging the scripted nature of the matches, the movie vehemently underscores the very real risks, physical toll, and injuries endured by wrestlers. By doing so, it dismantles the misconception that the predetermined outcomes somehow diminish the athleticism and courage required to execute the breathtaking stunts that define the sport. The wrestling scenes themselves are skillfully shot to emulate the dynamic, engaging style of wrestling broadcasts.
The entire cast’s commendable commitment to performing their own stunts not only adds realism but also helps capture the essence of the physically demanding profession. The Iron Claw ingeniously blends the theatricality of the wrestling matches with the raw intensity of the physical challenges faced by all of the wrestlers – not only in the ring but in training, too – creating an immersive atmosphere that will please both wrestling enthusiasts and general audiences.
Central to the film’s overall success are the many powerful performances delivered by the ensemble cast. Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons (as Kevin, Kerry, David, and Mike, respectively) form a cohesive team that brilliantly embodies the brotherly chemistry at the heart of the Von Erich family. Holt McCallany’s portrayal of the father, Fritz, a figure relentlessly pushing his children to achieve greater heights, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as his character encapsulates the tenacity and resilience required to climb the demanding world of professional wrestling, providing a stark contrast to the tragedies that befall the family.
Many viewers might also overlook Maura Tierney’s subtly impactful interpretation of their mother Doris, but the actress provides a nuanced representation of the consequences of the aforementioned obsession with familial ties. And finally, Lily James, with more screen time than expected, injects refreshing charm into The Iron Claw, providing a sweet counterbalance to the rough, masculine environment of the Von Erich household. Together, the film’s cast elevates the movie beyond its wrestling-centric story, turning it into a poignant study of human relationships and the negative effects of unbridled passion.
However, The Iron Claw falls into the typical trap with the sports biopic subgenre, as several inaccuracies leave a clear mark on the film. From altered motivations behind a few key events to the strange exclusion of certain family members, these deviations from reality feel like unnecessary embellishments designed to conform to Hollywood storytelling conventions. In its pursuit of dramatic impact, Durkin sacrifices some of the verisimilitude crucial for movies of this nature to transcend the limitations of their genre. One notable misstep involves a significant tragedy being attributed, in part, to the absence of a lover and family, which the real-life individual actually had despite the film depicting otherwise. Additionally, the omission of any references to the pervasive issue of performance-enhancing drugs in sports like this seems like a deliberate oversight that, despite being expected, doesn’t help with the overall issue.
Final Thoughts
Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw offers a compelling exploration of how fervent passion can eventually mutate into unhealthy obsession, along with obsession’s impact on a legendary family, highly elevated by powerful, committed performances. Despite some questionable story inaccuracies and a few strange omissions that punctuate the narrative, Durkin is able to encourage reflection on the delicate balance between success and tragedy in pursuing a family legacy. Well-executed wrestling sequences bring some entertainment value to the big screen, but the profoundly sad story at the core of this film makes it an overall tough watch.
Manuel’s Rating: B
Follow Manuel on Twitter – @msbreviews / Or Letterboxd – @msbreviews
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