The Iron Claw (2024) Review

Growing up I was a big fan of wrestling, over the years my interest has waned but I do have an appreciation of the history of this industry and that is why I was really interested in The Iron Claw. I knew a bit about the story of the Von Erichs so I knew this wasn't going to be a happy film but I hoped it would be an interesting one and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a group of young men following their fathers dream of becoming professional wrestlers and how their entry into this world would change their lives forever. 

Main Character 

Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich and this may be the best performance that he has ever given. He nails the human side of this man and the physique that made him believable as this world class professional wrestler. Efron has to really deliver some tough scenes here and he is a person that you really want to root for here. 

Supporting Characters

Jeremy Allen White plays Kerry Von Erich and he is also great here. Despite the fact he doesn't quite measure up physically with the real Kerry, he nails the troubles that the man went through and he has a really interesting story throughout the film. 

Harris Dickinson plays David Von Erich, he was the one I knew little about but I thought he was great. It was interesting to see how he was a better talker then Kevin and that is what got his push in wrestling and how that created a bit of friction. 

Holt McCallany plays the father of the Von Erichs and he is so good in this film. He has to be one of the most unlikeable people that I have seen in a film in some time and that is clearly what they were going for here and they nailed it with MaCallany giving a stellar performance. 

Lily James plays Kevin's wife and she is good, she definitely is a smaller part of the film an overall story but fits well and is a worth addition to the cast. 

Story

This story is really sad, the tragedy of the Von Erich family is a hard watch for sure and this film lays it on pretty thick and does it well. It also does a really good job of showing the wrestling business and how this business affected people whether they be the wrestlers or the people surrounded by the wrestlers such as family. However, I think the film is a little bit rushed in its last act, lots of tragedy kind of comes out of nowhere and years pass without much explanation, I wouldn't have minded this film being longer if we had more content and detail. 

Script

This film is incredibly well written, the dialogue just feels very natural and like these were real human beings. There is a real bond between these brothers and the situations that they are put in and how their father influences their lives in different ways. Obviously, the drama is really good and there is little humour but it just is a well written film. 

Style 

The film is shot in a way to make it look like it is from the time period that it is set and progresses as the film gets closer and closer to modern day. The wide shots of the wrestling was great and a well done part of the film. But I found the close up shots of the wrestling to be very shaky and a even a bit nauseous inducing. The film also didn't have the greatest pacing which as mentioned above kind of affected the storytelling of the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Iron Claw is a great film that is an intense and emotional watch. Even if you aren't a wrestling fan this is definitely worth a watch and appreciate some great performances and a sad story based on true events. 

Rating - 8/10