Sean Durkin’s exploration of what it means to be a man, brother, and father, The Iron Claw released on December 22nd, 2023. Overseen by production company A24 (known for films such as Midsommar and Moonlight), The Iron Claw released to overwhelming praise from critics and audiences alike. While released too late to be considered for academy awards, both Zac Efron (Kevin Von Erich) and Jeremy Allen White (Kenny Von Erich) have received plenty of praise for their performances as two of the leading brothers.
The Iron Claw is Durkin’s retelling of the story of the Von Erich brothers who made history in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling in the 1980’s. Durkin’s choice to focus on the drama of the family, specifically the presence of Fritz Von Erich—the boys overbearing and commandeering father (played by Holt McCallany)—transforms the film from a traditional sport drama to the tale of family, brotherhood, and manhood that it is now. The balance struck by Durkin in his script between the tragedy of the Von Erichs and a modern look at toxic masculinity is part of what sets The Iron Claw apart from other films released this year. The Iron Claw is unafraid to challenge the male image that is held in our world, both now and in the 80’s through its depiction of men at their physical peak: strong, victorious, near-invincible, yet still at their most vulnerable. No other film has dealt with younger men’s masculinity crisis and dependence on those that they love in the same way.
The story of the Von Erich family is one that is well known in the wrestling world, and Sean Durkin made a point of faithfully telling the story as close to the truth as possible in his screenplay. Despite Durkin’s efforts, The Iron Claw does take liberties with the true lives that the family led. The real Kevin Von Erich said during an interview with Chris Jericho that his father was an “Honorable, good man”, and that the film suggests that he was the main cause of his son’s deaths – which is inaccurate. However, many accounts from third parties and news reports of the time present Fritz as even harder on the sons than shown in the movie. Critics have noted that Durkin’s approach to the character of Fritz Von Erich works perfectly for the themes the movie conveys and the story it attempts to tell. The complexities of the Von Erich character are navigated precisely and provide the deep emotional current that drives the story along.
The Iron Claw is more than just a wrestling movie. It is a testament to human resilience, familial love, and what it means to be a man. It is an emotional masterpiece as well as an energetic and compelling film. It’s a love letter to the power of dreams and the never-ending spirit of brotherhood. The Iron Claw is not just a movie, but an experience that will leave you completely and deeply moved.
