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The Iron Claw (2023)

Written and directed by Sean Durkin

First, I am not a film critic. You will not hear any commentary whatsoever about cinematography or whatever the fuck a key grip is. I’m a wrestling critic. I critique wrestling.

Second, I also want to announce that SPOILERS will be plentiful throughout this review. You have been forewarned. If you don’t want to read spoilers, Mike Fitzgerald’s probably rebooking Shotgun Saturday Night nearby.

Third, let me say that I truly enjoy watching films at home whether they’re streaming or on physical media. The ability to pause when needed has been a great luxury. Watching the film at the cinema doesn’t have the same perk unfortunately.

Let’s talk about the actors:

Zac Efron – Kevin Von Erich

I’m not familiar with the rest of his resumé, but his physique looks phenomenal here. Thanks to wrestling advisor and fellow cast member Chavo Guerrero, Jr., his wrestling spots look crisp although sneaky camerawork may have hidden a well-disguised stuntman. Nevertheless, Efron’s character work is extremely strong as Kevin comes off as an appropriately emotional in both anger and sadness as well as reserved. If I had Fritz as a father, I’d stay quiet too. Efron carries this film from beginning to end and should be honored for it.

Jeremy Allen White – Kerry Von Erich

Having watched my fair share of Shameless, I’m familiar with White’s ability to play a troubled character. Portraying Kerry isn’t a stretch for him at all. Also, his profile resembles Kerry quite well. I’ve read the main critique of his character is that White is only 5’7” whereas Kerry stands 6’2”. Honestly, Durkin did a solid job disguising it, especially standing next to the taller David.

Harris Dickinson – David Von Erich

Speaking of David, Dickinson does a marvelous job embodying the tall Texan. I enjoy his impressive and impromptu promo on Harley Race. Obviously, Fritz does as well, and David leapfrogs Kevin for the first crack at the NWA World title.

Holt McCallany – Fritz Von Erich

I feel like I’m watching the former Nazi sympathizer turned patriarch. Great character work by McCallany.

Stanley Simons – Mike Von Erich

Portraying (another) reserved Von Erich brother, Simons makes Mike exactly what he is—not from the same mold as his older brothers. Artistic with his music and commentary on “camera angles” stand out as characteristics of a brother who undertakes wrestling merely as a family obligation.

Maura Tierney – Doris Adkisson

Since she shies away from the wrestling business, I know very little about “Dottie.” Having said that, I feel that Tierney did a formidable job of a mother who understands her family role which would be very antiquated these days. It was a different time for her generation, however.

Lily James – Pam Adkisson

Knowing absolutely nothing about Pam, I hope that she’s the type of go-getter that sees what she likes and goes after it. That’s how Pam is portrayed as she captures not only Kevin’s eye but also his heart. I enjoy her character during both the highs and lows of the Von Erich story.

Let’s discuss the plot:

Opening the film with a brief look at the evil Nazi sympathizer, Fritz’s competitive nature and aggression are on full display. He puts himself in patriarchal mode immediately by purchasing a trailer without Dottie’s approval.

Kerry’s in line to represent America in Olympic competition as a discus thrower, but President Jimmy Carter, citing strife between America and the USSR, boycotts the summer games in Moscow. This robs Kerry of his dream. What’s Fritz’s idea for Kerry’s future? You guessed it--pro wrestling.

Kevin’s football days at North Texas don’t come to light, yet, during a family football scrimmage, his speed is on full display. Although Kevin’s a great athlete, his lack of confidence on the microphone appears following a grueling match against Race. To light a fire under the Dallas faithful, David joins his brother in the ring and runs down Race.

Despite Kevin’s shyness, Pam inserts herself into his life in a fashion that’s not the norm for the time. They go on a date, and it’s obvious that this is a match made in Heaven.

Their wedding reception is shown, but David’s puking up blood in the bathroom. While sick, David refuses medical attention and is heading to Japan. That represents the first of many timeline errors as Kevin and Pam married in August 1980.

David dies in Japan, and Kevin learns the news at the family table from Fritz.

On the day of David’s funeral, Kevin reads a postcard (remember those?) from David which is incredibly heartbreaking.

With the Parade of Champions card on the horizon, Fritz literally flips a coin to substitute for David in the NWA World title match. Kerry wins much to Kevin’s chagrin.

In another timeline error, following Kerry’s victory over Flair, he wrecks his motorcycle and is horribly injured. My phantom pause button’s not working, so I missed this part. If you’ve been following my WCCW reflections, you’ll discover that Kerry’s accident happened in the summer of 1986.

At some point during the film, a promo by Harley Race is shown. Kevin Anton, who portrays Race, provides a great effort in both appearance and style.

On the other hand, a promo by Ric Flair is shown. Aaron Dean Eisenberg must not be a big Ric Flair fan. Though his resemblance was accurate, he completely blows the interview. I’m thinking it’s Durkin’s intention to insert legitimate promo material, but Eisenberg doesn’t study Flair strongly enough to solidify the role.

Another timeline error happens when a match between Flair and Kevin results in 1986 as Kevin’s aggression leads to his being disqualified. WCCW actually secedes from the NWA in February 1986 while Kevin and Flair battle in a spectacular match at Parade of Champions in May 1985.

Mike’s shoulder injury is shown as well as the unfortunate complication. “It’s a routine shoulder surgery” claims the Von Erich family, but the doctor’s quickly to refute the possibility of Mike’s toxic shock syndrome. The interview after his miraculous recovery happens, and Simons nails Mike’s significant troubles at the time.

Around this point of the film is a clip where Kevin’s trying to rehab Kerry who is severely struggling following his foot amputation. In intriguing fashion, Kevin queries Kerry about “finding another line of work.” As we all know, Kerry’s passion for pro wrestling’s greater than his common sense or regard for his own well-being.

Mike’s depression about life following his near-death experience reaches its zenith as he overdoses on Placidyl while drinking. As he leaves a rather brief suicide note, his family is shown searching for him. Tierney’s acting as a distraught mom who can’t be seen in the same black dress for David’s funeral remains both viable and upsetting.

During another unplanned intermission on my part, I miss Lance Von Erich’s brief appearance in the film. In addition to playing Lance, Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s has an executive producer credit.

Upon my return, Kerry calls Kevin in the middle of the night despondent over his life. He wants to rejoin his brothers. Acrimony over Kerry’s mental well-being rears its ugly head between Kevin and Fritz following Kerry’s suicide.

In a surreal scene, Kerry, with his foot intact, floats on a raft over to his brothers David and Mike. There, he encounters his long-lost older brother Jackie who died as a young boy. If your heart strings feel a bit of a tug after this, I completely understand.

During the final scene, Marshall and Ross are playing while Kevin supervises while crying. His sons inquire, and Kevin apologizes for crying. The boys understand thoroughly, yet Kevin drops the infamous line of “I used to have (four) brothers, now I’m not even a brother.” Marshall and Ross embrace him and offer to be his brother. Sorry, I’ve got some dust in my eye.

What’s my recommendation?

Although the timeline errors are egregious, the story combined with the wrestling scenes makes this a no-brainer for any and all wrestling fans. If you have a family member or someone special in your life who’s not into wrestling, they should enjoy this as well.

Get your tickets NOW!

Comments? Suggestions? Send them to me at rsg@rockstargary.com and follow me on Twitter (@rockstargary202).