“‘The Iron Claw’ Will Put You in an Emotional Headlock,” says The Ringer, a highly credited sports and pop culture forum.
Arriving in theaters on Dec. 22, 2023, the movie “The Iron Claw” dramatized the devastating true story of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family.
For the wrestling community today, fan favorites include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes. However, for ‘70s and ‘80s fans, they had the Von Erichs.
Through the lens of Kevin, played by Zac Efron, the movie follows the Von Erich brothers’ path to greatness and their ultimate fall. The famed Texas brothers were Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris, who all pursued careers in wrestling under the leadership of their father, Fritz Von Erich.
Fritz was determined to see his sons rise to the pinnacle of the wrestling world, and through his relentless ambition, aimed to mold them into the greatest anyone has ever seen. Harsh and controlling, Fritz was what modern day would call an abusive father figure. The brothers ate, drank, and breathed wrestling. To their father, pain and suffering was what bred supremacy. While achieving triumphs inside the ring, the family was overshadowed by a somber cloud. A series of unfortunate deaths and suicides gave rise to what would be known as the “Von Erich curse,” which is also illustrated in the biopic.
“The Iron Claw” featured an impressive cast, including actors such as Efron, Jeremey Allen White, Lily James, Harris Dickinson, and others.
Following its release, Efron described his experience working on the film as one of the “most challenging” projects of his career. To prepare for their roles as the Von Erich brothers, Efron, White, and Dickson underwent grueling training to put on more muscle and perfect their moves on-screen.
While their transformations and the realness of the film was awe-inspiring, it was the emotional impact of “The Iron Claw” that truly captivated watchers.
Adam Olinger, a Rotten Tomatoes Critic, described his thoughts on the movie.
“‘The Iron Claw’ accomplished something almost no other film did this year. It made me feel something,” he said.
“The Iron Claw” goes levels deeper than its surface description. It paints a true-to-life story about glory, brotherhood, and loss. Confronting numerous challenges, the brothers exhibit resilience and put each other first.
The film brilliantly displays the love and devotion the Von Erich brothers shared. A month after its release, “The Iron Claw” has grossed over $34 million worldwide.
Regardless of whether wrestling is within your realm of knowledge or interest, “The Iron Claw” is a must-watch.
