Title – The Iron Claw (2023)

Director – Sean Durkin (The Nest)

Cast – Zac Efron, Holt McCallany, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Lily James, Maura Tierney

Plot – The true story of famed American wrestling family the Von Erich’s who lead by their driven father Fritz (McCallany) attempted to become the biggest name in the wrestling industry in the 1980’s despite a series of tragic events that continued to plague them on their quest.  

“Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed”

Review by Eddie on 29/01/2024

The feel bad movie of 2023, The Iron Claw is certainly not afraid to present the true story of famed wrestling family the Von Erich’s in a warts and all fashion, creating a brilliantly staged and acted portrayal of triumphs and a lot of tragedy for a Texan family that endured more hardships than anyone could imagine being possible.  

The type of film that could be accused of overplaying its grief stricken hand if it were not in fact based on cold hard facts (even omitting some key details of the Von Erich’s story due to too much narrative misfortune), acclaimed director Sean Durkin’s star-studded biopic that has struck a chord with audiences around the world but found itself curiously snubbed by most major end of year award ceremonies is one of the most memorable movies yet centred around the wrestling scene and gives its actor ample opportunity to flex their muscles outside of what you’d usually expect from them. 

Set in the late 70’s and well into the 80’s, Durkin’s exploration of the Von Erich’s feels like a time warp back into this period where Ric Flair and fellow WWE superstars dominated worldwide audiences and while much of what happens in Claw’s proceedings is done in a no-fuss manner there’s a technical and production prowess to this A24 distributed offering that expands upon its relative low budget to give its story, place and characters a lived in feeling that will ensure many audiences connect with this tale of one families quest for greatness in a field that dictated their entire lives. 

Based in the shadow of Mindhunter star Holt McCallany’s commanding performance as family matriarch and tyrannical leader Fritz Von Erich but bought to life by a never better Zac Efron as the tormented Kevin with able support from The Bear star Jeremy Allen White, rising screen presence Harris Dickinson and the always vibrant Lily James as Kevin’s long-suffering partner Pam, Claw is an all round winner for its performing ensemble and it’s a shame this non-showy film didn’t connect with awards season to a greater level as recognition for its approach to such a loaded story. 

Never steering into over the top territory (even if a few later segments feel a little out of tune with the rest of film), it’s an understatement to say what occurs throughout the true life tale of the Von Erich’s is ripe for the type of Hollywood biopic manipulation territory that often finds its way into such tales but Durkin and his team should be commended for letting their film unfold in its own way creating a moving, unique and respectful feature that may be hard viewing but one that offers many rewards. 

Final Say – 

A fine showcase for its talent, particularly the award worthy Zac Efron, The Iron Claw is far from a stereotypical true life drama but is one that will resonate with a wide ranging audience who are likely to appreciate it far more than an industry that curiously ignored one of 2023’s strongest dramatic features. 

4 pairs of denim shorts out of 5