Story in a few words
The Smashing Machine (2025) follows MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s rise and unraveling as he battles both in the cage and within himself. Dwayne Johnson gives a raw, dramatic turn as a man torn between glory and self-destruction, with Emily Blunt as his anchor. Gritty and emotional, Benny Safdie’s film explores the heavy cost of greatness rather than the thrill of victory.
In my own words
Thanks for reading today’s episode of Yuri’s Film Collection
26.10.2025
The Smashing Machine (2025) follows MMA fighter Mark Kerr’s rise and unraveling as he battles both in the cage and within himself. Dwayne Johnson gives a raw, dramatic turn as a man torn between glory and self-destruction, with Emily Blunt as his anchor. Gritty and emotional, Benny Safdie’s film explores the heavy cost of greatness rather than the thrill of victory.
In my own words
For me, The Smashing Machine is the best film I watched this year to be honest. The acting, the cinematography, the score, and the overall vibe of the film wer’e soooo good! The film shows a real story about the famous MMA fighter Mike Kerr. The story in general is very touching and immersive and really gives you a feeling that you’re there with him. I’m gonna explain why: See, the way the camera is not on a static rig but handheld throughout the film gives it a more realistic feeling. Talking about cameras and cinematography: I absolutely loved every minute of it because that style of filming is exactly my taste of cinematography. I really liked that some scenes were long extended shots and didn’t have those fast cuts like in other films.
The colors were also absolutely great and really fitted well into the whole film, and it was the right decision to film it on Kodak film.
The colors were also absolutely great and really fitted well into the whole film, and it was the right decision to film it on Kodak film.
I think in general when you produce a film, Kodak or any other film is the right way because it really makes a difference how it will look at the end.
Next topic are the performances of the actors: First off all, hats off to Dwayne Johnson because I’ve never seen him act like this. In fact, he himself said that this role changed his whole acting career. From doing the typical Hollywood comedy films to doing drama films is a big step up. And he never did a film like this, which is even more impressive. He really carried the film not only because he plays the main role but also because of how good he played it. What’s also really interesting, because I just found this out recently, is that Benny Safdie (the director) kept the camera rolling in one of the scenes to make the scene real, also showing emotions after Dwayne cried, which made the film so good and realistic.
It’ll be a pity if he doesn’t win an Oscar for that.
But also Emily Blunt, who played the partner, really performed really great, and in general, she and Dwayne were a really great acting duo.
It’ll be a pity if he doesn’t win an Oscar for that.
But also Emily Blunt, who played the partner, really performed really great, and in general, she and Dwayne were a really great acting duo.
What else can I say other than go watch this film before it leaves the cinema because this kind of film is made for the big screens, not for small.
Just give it a try because this is what I call great filmmaking and passion for film.
You will love it ;)
Just give it a try because this is what I call great filmmaking and passion for film.
You will love it ;)
Thanks for reading today’s episode of Yuri’s Film Collection
26.10.2025
Directed by: Benny Safdie
Written by: Benny Safdie
Star Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Kenny Rice and Jerin Valel
Photo by Courtesy of A24 - © A24
Written by: Benny Safdie
Star Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Kenny Rice and Jerin Valel
Photo by Courtesy of A24 - © A24