This October, audiences will see a very different side of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Beginning Oct. 3, the Cameo Art House Theatre will debut The Smashing Machine, a gripping new sports drama starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.
Far removed from Johnson’s usual action-packed blockbusters, this film is being hailed as a career-defining performance that strips away the star’s larger-than-life persona and reveals his most vulnerable work to date.
Directed by Benny Safdie, best known for co-directing the acclaimed Uncut Gems and Good Time, the film traces the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant yet troubled fighters in mixed martial arts history. Kerr rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. With a background in wrestling and a ferocious fighting style, he earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine”, a name that carried both glory and burden.
Outside the cage, Kerr faced painful battles with addiction, personal demons and the pressure of living up to his reputation.
Safdie’s past films have dived deep into complexity, painting a portrait of triumph and collapse, resilience and fragility. And this film’s center Dwayne Johnson, who I didn’t even recognize when I first saw the trailer, puts aside his Hollywood polished image to embody the grit of a man defined as much by his struggles as by his victories. Just like Safdie’s Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler doesn’t appear to be the same ol’ Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s Boldest Transformation
Audiences may know Johnson as the charming powerhouse who dominates franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji and Black Adam. He’s built a career on charisma, comedic timing and the physicality that once made him a household name in professional wrestling. But in The Smashing Machine, all of that is stripped away, supposedly.
Johnson underwent a rigorous physical transformation, not just through training, but also by embracing prosthetics that altered his face and physique. Early promotional stills shocked fans; he appeared heavier, wearier, almost broken, far from the superheroic presence of his blockbuster roles.
In interviews I’ve seen, Johnson admitted that the process was frightening.
“It was scary to step away from everything I’ve built and be this vulnerable,” he said. “But Mark Kerr’s story demanded honesty. It demanded that I disappear into him.”
That honesty paid off. At the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Johnson broke down in tears as the audience gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest of the festival. Critics immediately began praising the performance as a revelation, calling it the most profound work of his career.
A Story Beyond the Ring
While The Smashing Machine features fight sequences, it isn’t simply a sports film. The real drama lies in the quiet, painful moments away from the cage. Johnson’s Kerr struggles with substance abuse, with the weight of fame and with the strain on his marriage to Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
The film explores their relationship with unflinching detail. The love, the disappointments and the emotional cost of a life spent chasing dominance. Blunt’s performance has been singled out as a crucial counterpart to Johnson’s, grounding the story in human stakes rather than athletic ones.
Adding to the authenticity are appearances by real combat sports icons such as Bas Rutten, a close friend and former training partner of Kerr and boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Their presence lends credibility to the film’s depictions of the MMA world and blurs the line between fiction and documentary.
Safdie’s Distinctive Style
Director Benny Safdie brings his trademark intensity to the project. Known for capturing the raw energy of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Safdie avoids glossy cinematography in favor of something closer to documentary realism. Handheld cameras, long takes and natural lighting immerse the viewer in his films.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
Critics are already comparing the film to classic character studies like Raging Bull.
Since its Venice debut, The Smashing Machine has been generating serious awards chatter. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing early reviews, Johnson is being mentioned as a potential contender for Best Actor during awards season.
GQ described the film as “the first great Dwayne Johnson movie,” while Vanity Fair noted that Johnson “disappears into the role in a way few thought possible.” For a performer who has long been seen as a charismatic entertainer rather than a dramatic actor, the shift is monumental.
Showtimes and Ticket Information
The Smashing Machine opens at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Oct. 3. Showtimes and tickets will be available on the theater’s website at cameoarthouse.com. Given the film’s acclaim and buzz, seats are expected to fill quickly.