‘The Iron Claw’ Review
Stars: Holt McCallany, Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, Stanley Simons, Zac Efron, Maura Tierney, Lily James | Written and Directed by Sean Durkin
For his third film, writer/director Sean Durkin delivers a feature based on the tragic true story of the Von Erich family. Believing that he was denied the chance to become a wrestling champion, the embittered Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) has driven his sons to take that chance and become victorious. Set across the 1980s, The Iron Claw captures the familial triumphs and the tragedies which befell them inside and outside the ring.
As the Von Erich’s driving force, whether they like it or not, McCallany exceptionally brings alive the domineering father who uses his sons to achieve his unfulfilled dreams. There is never a threat of the character becoming cartoonish, as the verbally abusive figure proclaims his manipulations as being for the family’s good. He embodies toxic masculinity in odious ways, warning his sons to never cry while refusing to admit his failings, opting to instead blame a family curse. The pressure is constantly piled on as he issues reminders about his rankings for favourite son, while warning that they can change.
What’s saddening is that, despite the negative effects of their father’s toxic influence, the Von Erich boys keep trying to impress the father that they look up to. Harris Dickinson is a charming presence as David, who embraces the wrestling lifestyle and approaches the verbal boasting with ease. A more difficult time is faced by Kerry, with Jeremy Allen White exceptionally capturing his struggles after his Olympic dreams are crushed. Stanley Simons is a triumph as Mike, the youngest brother who would rather focus on playing music instead of wrestling, yet finds his hopes out of his control.
Rounding off the siblings is Kevin, a sensitive soul in a muscle-bound body who struggles to convey himself verbally. Zac Efron has always been a talent to watch out for, and this is a career-best performance as he brings alive the eldest son struggling with the weight of his father’s actions. Despite asking for help from his mother, magnificently portrayed by Maura Tierney, there is no respite to their traumatic situation. Support is found in Pam, his partner effectively brought alive by Lily James, although that cannot stop the shattering events which leave him emotionally destroyed.
A lesser film would have left the siblings to feel interchangeable, yet each one of the brothers brought to the screen feels individual courtesy of the talented cast. They bring a goofy charm that stems from the loving relationships which are key to these brothers, with the tight bonds evident as they open up to each other. This allows viewers to get attached to them, while also making what happens even more heartbreaking.
The excitement of professional wrestling is tremendously showcased, as these electric scenes encapsulate why so many fell in love with it. This is contrasted with the scenes outside of the ring, focusing on the emotional impact as the tale comes alive in quiet ways around the saddening turns. From the black-and-white opening to a devastating line reading which closes the film, The Iron Claw is a heart-shattering tragedy.
**** 4.5/5
The Iron Claw is in cinemas now.
