X
- 2023
- R
- A24
- 2 h 12 m
- 2023
- R
- A24
- 2 h 12 m
Summary The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
Directed By: Sean Durkin
Written By: Sean Durkin
- 2023
- R
- A24
- 2 h 12 m
- 2023
- R
- A24
- 2 h 12 m
The Iron Claw
73
8.0
Where to Watch
Summary The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
Directed By: Sean Durkin
Written By: Sean Durkin
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 55 Critic Reviews
73
82% Positive
45 Reviews
45 Reviews
18% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 55 Critic Reviews
73
82% Positive
45 Reviews
45 Reviews
18% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
An eerie, beautifully executed study of duty, grief and wrestling, boasting an excellent cast, and a leap forward for its director. A heavyweight collective has just entered the ring.
All four of the actors playing the brothers are standouts, with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White leading the way with some of the finest work of their respective careers. “The Iron Claw” isn’t an easy watch, but it’s one of the best films of the year.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 104 User Ratings
8.0
88% Positive
91 Ratings
91 Ratings
8% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
5% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 104 User Ratings
8.0
88% Positive
91 Ratings
91 Ratings
8% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
5% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Of monsters, heroes and men. A story where victory and tragedy are shared equally. The story of a family of wrestling champions is a range of emotions that provokes many sensations but never indifference. One of the best options for spring 2024.
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The Iron Claw is a great film. I had heard, of course, Zac Efron’s name before but no clue who he was. Wife told me. Have to think he’s getting Best Actor nomination. Great performances by all across the board. Not a fan of pro wrestling but everyone knew “Von Erich” name. If this version is true… how incredibly sad. If you have to pick one movie this holiday season you won’t go wrong with this one.
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In this film it perhaps isn’t clear what the sacrifices have been for, and Durkin is sufficiently loyal to wrestling and its fanbase not to question it; however there is a muscular force here and the sentimental postmortem scene is inspired.
It’s a harrowing, visceral, poignant biopic that will surely make you shed a tear or two regardless of whether you knew the Von Erich story.
Durkin, a self-described wrestling fan from childhood, has managed to stuff a moving tribute to the art form and its practitioners into a two-hour feature. There’s just so much story to tell here.
“We’ll tell it, but with one fewer death” is an odd way to go about this tale – which ends up as a solid flexing exercise for its cast, but puts us through a family’s annihilation for no other reason it can ultimately decide upon.
The Iron Claw's shallowness and eventual treacliness are especially disappointing.
I walked out of this movie blown away by the refined acting, a well told story and the quality of movie making. This was a true masterpiece of emotion, competition and pure tragedy that this family endured to become the best. You don't have to like wrestling to see this and if you are into drama's with impact this is the movie to see. Bravo!!!
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The Von Erich brothers were a quartet of pumped-up pro wrestlers in the early 80s (played by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris **** and Stanley Simons working terrible period hair). Their insatiable competitive spirit was nurtured by their strict, domineering, unsympathetic father (Holt McCallany). His unflinching determination led the family to proud success and numerous misfortunes. As for performances, the actor/brothers create a solid, loving bond that cements the film's core, while writer/director Sean Dirkin keeps the narrative mostly dark and mean. The fight scenes are well-staged and brief, because this is not about the sport but about this dysfunctional family. The drama is constant, but despite their struggles, it seldom conveys much deep emotion, which makes their story more sad than tragic
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Production Company
A24,
Access Entertainment,
BBC Film,
House Productions
Release Date Dec 22, 2023
Duration 2 h 12 m
Rating R
Tagline Sons. Brothers. Champions.
Awards
Chicago Indie Critics Awards (CIC)
• 5 Nominations
Music City Film Critics' Association Awards
• 5 Nominations
Columbus Film Critics Association
• 3 Nominations
