Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine Highlights Dwayne Johnson’s Subtle Acting but Lacks Dramatic Depth

Bilge Ebiri’s review of Benny Safdie’s film The Smashing Machine examines the story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts pioneer, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The film portrays Kerr’s career between 1997 and 2000, when MMA was still in its early stages. While the movie includes brutal fight sequences, Safdie deliberately avoids sensationalizing violence outside the ring, instead presenting Kerr as a gentle, introspective man who struggles with inner conflicts. Johnson’s performance is the centerpiece of the film. Rather than relying on his trademark charisma, he delivers a restrained, physical, and deeply internalized portrayal. The critic notes how Johnson’s body language—down to his shoulders and back—communicates emotional weight, calling it one of his finest performances in years. However, the film falters in its treatment of Kerr’s personal struggles, particularly his battle with opioid addiction and his turbulent relationship with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. The review argues that Blunt’s character is underdeveloped, with her frustrations barely explored on screen. Safdie’s stylistic choices, supported by Nala Sinephro’s atmospheric score, create a sense of quiet tension, but at times the film feels too understated, lacking dramatic drive. Ebiri concludes that while the movie may not fully succeed as a sports biopic, it succeeds in reminding audiences of Johnson’s acting talent, making him the film’s true highlight.