The Iron Claw | Review & Score

About: The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s.

"I used to be a brother."

I can't believe I'm just now getting to review this movie in the latter part of 2024.

It's not an easy watch, that's for sure. THE IRON CLAW is the devestating true story of the one of the most prominent families in professional wrestling, the Von Erichs. If you don't know much about them, do your research, because it's a crazy and incredibly sad story of a band of brothers who grew up in the pro wrestling landscape and become destined to perform together in the squared circle.

Zac Efron protrays Kevin Von Erich, the second eldest brother of the family. Efron really transformed himself for this role, from the look, the wrestling style and work ethic that was needed to pull the role of Kevin Von Erich off. And he did just that. Every bit. My favorite performance of the movie and of 2023. Efron deserved so much love during awards season last year and he didn't unfortunately.

Jeremy Allen White portrays Kerry Von Erich, the fourth eldest son of the family. Kerry was an Olympic athlete who trained for the 1980 Summer Olympics before the event was officially boycotted under former President Jimmy Carter. White's performance as Kerry is impeccable. Although, the height difference is pretty upsetting, but as far as the look and everything else goes, White was a top notch choice to portray the TEXAS TORNADO.

Harris Dickinson portrayed the third eldest son, David Von Erich. David was more of the 'showman' if you will of the brothers. He was known for his better promo ability and really knew how to sell the brothers while performing. Dickinson's performance was pretty accurate to how David was and he nailed the look and charisma that David had as well. Tremendous job.

As far as the other performances go -- I enjoyed Maura Tierney as Doris, the mother. I enjoyed Lily James as Pam, Kevin's wife. I enjoyed Holt McCallany as Fritz, the undermining father.

Sean Durkin, who wrote and directed The Iron Claw, did an amazing job capturing the tragic but wholeheartedness of the brothers and their story. Nothing came off corny or disrespectful to the Von Erich name or their history in wrestling, it was perfectly told and framed on screen.

If you haven't gotten around to watching The Iron Claw, please do so. It's a fascinating yet tragic story of one of the most storied families in professional wrestling.

5/5