REVIEW: ‘Iron Claw’ is mostly effective in showing family drama and trauma

Wrestling may be theatrical and scripted, but the physical and mental toll is very real, as this film shows.

“The Iron Claw” tells the story of the Von Erich family, which has produced multiple generations of professional wrestlers. The origins of wrestling in the family go back to its patriarch, Fritz (Holt McCallany), who was a professional in the 50s and 60s. In addition to his career, Fritz became the father to several sons.

Once his time in the ring was done, he decided to push wrestling on his kids, Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson) and Mike (Stanley Simons). Fritz doesn’t just stop at tough physical training, though, as he also uses manipulation and pushes his sons too far, leading to tragic consequences.

“The Iron Claw” is a film that explores family, brotherhood and toxic masculinity, all through a group of people who experienced an immense amount of tragedy. It’s a sobering and somber ensemble feature that’s effective in not only showing the tragedy of this family, but capturing the hubris and the reckless pursuit of perfection that caused the issues.

The hits keep coming for the characters in the film, especially Kevin, who wants his brothers to succeed while also trying to protect them as they’re pushed to their limits by their father. This is all taking place as he’s trying to keep his own career in wrestling going.

It’s a harrowing perspective as he has to witness death and difficulty within his family. However, while the film’s portrayal of this family’s dynamic is emotionally moving and holds one’s interest, the execution in telling the entire story could have been stronger.

“The Iron Claw” doesn’t have much of a story structure, as it moves from scene-to-scene dramatizing the family’s history without a sense of buildup or development. In that sense, it feels like a production that may have been better suited for a mini-series format.

Not only would an episodic approach be able to cover each segment of the family’s history in a self-contained way with a clear three-act structure, it would have also provide more time to tell such an expansive story.

The filmmakers of “The Iron Claw” actually had to write out one of the real brothers from the movie to keep a manageable runtime. He, as well as the next generation of wrestlers that came after the brothers featured in the film, could have been included in such a series.

The family members who were featured on screen were well portrayed by the cast, though. Efron especially shines as the main figure in the movie, showing his continual attempt to maintain composure as he is met with adversity. He isn’t the only highlight, though, as White, Dickinson and McCallany all give effective performances.

While the film could have been stronger in its storytelling and writing, “The Iron Claw” is able to succeed thanks to its heartfelt portrayal of this family with a solid cast and competent direction by Sean Durkin. 3.7 out of 5.

Author: Matthew Liedke

Journalist and film critic in Minnesota. Graduate of Rainy River College and Minnesota State University in Moorhead. Outside of movies I also enjoy sports, craft beers and the occasional video game. View all posts by Matthew Liedke