The Iron Claw

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

In the world of wrestling, the history of the “cursed” Von Erich family is a known tale. Yet, to novices of the ring, this is an unknown tragedy destined to be told on the big screen. The brothers are larger than life, and their bond is memorable.

The Iron Claw follows the family throughout their rise in the Texas NWA league in the late 70s and 80s to much higher stake events in the 90s. For the Von Erich’s, wrestling is the family business. Led by domineering patriarch Fritz, played by the always tremendous Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), the family is fuelied by testosterone and potentially some illegal performance-enhancing drugs.

Early in the film, while enjoying a meat and protein-filled breakfast, Fritz does his apparent weekly power ranking of his sons. The favoured son is the oldest, Kevin (Zack Efron), whose primary goal is to be the NWA Champion and spend time with his brothers. His next choice in the pecking order is Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), who is going to the Olympics for disc throwing. After his Olympic dreams are taken away due to the USA pulling out due to conflicts with Russia, Fritz asks him to join his brothers in the ring, and he obliges. The next on the Von Erich ranking system is David (Harris Dickinson). He is already doing tag team matches with Kevin and will soon overcome him as the prominent sibling due to his more charismatic demeanour. That leaves the least favoured son, Mike (Stanley Simons), who is more interested in music than wrestling. Fritz wants all his sons in between the ropes together, while Mike prefers his life on a different entertainment stage.

How Fritz rates the boys sways throughout the movie, and his motivations and tactics become more ethically challenging. While the plot required a lot of territory to be covered, the heart of this film about the wrestling world is the brothers' bond. Lesser movies would try to create drama through cheap tension between their rivalry. Still, screenwriter and director Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene) wisely encapsulates this movie through their wholesome and deep relationship. While their standings with their father shift, their loyalty to each other is unwavering.

Despite some pacing and storytelling issues, Durkin's film is an emotionally affecting and cinematically top-class wrestling picture. The supporting cast is stacked with some of the best on-the-rise actors in the industry. Yet, Efron is the standout in and out of the ring. The former teen heartthrob manages to outshine the great Jeremy Allen White and Holt McCallany but also gives one of the year's best performances. Known for his charm, he dials it down to near zero and gives an earnest and understated performance that is never boring.

While not for the faint of heart, The Iron Claw is a superbly made project that unleashes outstanding performances that pack an emotional tap out. If you have siblings, wrestle them to join you at the cinema to watch this one together.

Reel Dialogue: Wrestling with the concept of brotherly love

How do you explain the connection between brothers? The Iron Claw taps into that inexplicable connection between the males of the species. As it is unpacked in the film, one of those things can only be explained and experienced by boys who grow to be men. The Von Erich brothers' relationship captures this bond without using too many words. These men were committed to one another despite the challenges within and outside their family that should have divided them. Brotherly love and bonds are unique within the human condition.

There is a reason that Jesus used the word brotherhood to define the relationships amongst his disciples. When someone becomes a follower of Christ, they are considered brothers. This brotherhood is meant to develop strong relationships built on forgiveness, sacrifice, and brotherly love.

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” - Hebrews 2:11-12

If you would like to discuss the topic of brotherly love, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE WORD BECOMES FILM