“The Iron Claw” is inspired by the true story of the triumphs and tragedies of wrestling legends, the Von Erich brothers (portrayed by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson).
Writer and director, Sean Durkin, has crafted a painfully upsetting, almost Shakespearean tale of unthinkable tragedy.
Although “The Iron Claw” portrays the beauty of brotherhood, it also takes a hard look at the two elements that are mostly responsible for the family’s “curse:” the competitive nature of the wrestling world and the Von Erich patriarch, a controlling antagonist played by Holt McCallan.
From “Raging Bull” to “The Wrestler,” we have seen the grueling work wrestlers must endure to achieve success. It ain’t pretty. However, it is the Von Erich family dynamic and relentless pressures behind the wrestlers that makes “The Iron Claw” such a compelling watch.
McCallan’s prickly disposition is so detestable, it’s no wonder the Von Erich brothers had such an unbreakable bond. They didn’t have their father’s love. But they had their own.
And of course, the Von Erich boys are the connective tissue holding the film together.
Starring as the leader of the pack, Efron gives an emotionally gripping career-best performance. Not only did Efron completely transform physically (hot damn), but his delicate portrayal of Kevin Von Erich is absolutely heart breaking, especially in his final scenes. Guys. Look at Efron go! He has comes SUCH a long way since his days of frolicking around the basketball court in “High School Musical”.
Dickinson and White deliver strong performances as well, especially as the two begin to spiral downwards as their careers take off. White in particular really broke my heart, but I think that’s just the power of those beautiful blue eyes.
“The Iron Claw” isn’t an easy watch but it is an effective sports drama and demonstrates the horrors of pressure.
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