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In Theaters Now
- 2023
- R
- 2 h 12 m
- 2023
- R
- 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
In Theaters Now
- 2023
- R
- 2 h 12 m
- 2023
- R
- 2 h 12 m
The Iron Claw
74
8.7
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 40 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
33 Reviews
33 Reviews
18% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 40 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
33 Reviews
33 Reviews
18% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
No, you don’t have to be a fan of fake wrestling to appreciate “Iron Claw.” A love for classic Greek tragedy wouldn’t be misplaced, though.
It is so much more than just melodrama — it is myth-making on a grand yet intimate scale, a film that attempts to express a small sliver of the Von Erich legend, and beautifully does justice to Kevin’s personal journey.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 35 User Ratings
8.7
94% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
3% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 35 User Ratings
8.7
94% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
3% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
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.
Report
Durkin’s movie has its fair share of crucial moments in the ring, but none of them would land with a fraction of the same impact if not for the many crystalline little moments in which Kerry, Kevin, David, and Mike get to build each other up.
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.
There’s pleasure and meaning in the sons’ roughhousing and camaraderie, as well as beauty, heat and melancholy in their heartbreakingly fleeting physical perfection. Yet as the story’s uglier side emerges, Durkin hedges.
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!!!
Report
The Iron Claw, a movie about finding solidarity in a grim GRIM world of Professional Wrestling, is 2023's movie of the year.
Report
A harrowing piece of media, but besides the awful tragedy, The Iron Claw shimmers glimpses of hope in a despondent environment. 5 stars in the Meltzer scale.
Report
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
Report
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
Columbus Film Critics Association
• 3 Nominations
National Board of Review, USA
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Michigan Movie Critics Guild Awards
• 1 Nomination
