Dwayne Johnsonembarks on a profoundly dramatic shift in his career with Benny Safdie’swrestling biopic, “The Smashing Machine,”where he portrays the complex UFC champion Mark Kerr. Debuting in competition at the Venice Film Festival, the film has been a long-cherished ambition for Johnson, who has openly sought to broaden his acting repertoire beyond the action-heavy, box office-driven franchises like “Jumanji” and “Fast and Furious.”

He expressed a burning desire to explore deeper, more intense, and raw character portrayals, breaking free from being typecast. This ambition was significantly bolstered by the encouragement of co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend and later wife,Dawn Staples,and director Safdie.

“The Smashing Machine” delves into the tumultuous life of Mark Kerr, chronicling his formidable triumphs in the ring, his harrowing battle with opioid addiction, and the intricate, often turbulent, dynamics of his relationship with Dawn Staples. To embody the hulking two-time UFC Heavyweight champion, Johnson underwent an extensive physical transformation, including pounds of prosthetics.

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Set between the years 1997 and 2000, the film paints Kerr as a multifaceted figure: a man with a “so-musclebound-he’s-slightly-hunched-over superhero physique” who, beneath the surface, is a gentle giant grappling with profound inner demons and a suppressed rage he struggles to control. Critics have lauded Johnson’s “revelatory” performance, noting his complete immersion into the character and his ability to imbue Mark’s silent, moody, and hidden aspects with a compelling mystery. Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Dawn Staples also garnered significant praise for its “whiplash spontaneity” and a “bittersweet fusion of compassion and arrogance.”

Benny Safdie, making his solo feature directorial debut after his acclaimed collaborations with his brother Josh on indie favorites like “Uncut Gems,” chose to focus on the emotional depth of professional fighting rather than just its physical spectacle. Drawing inspiration from a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, Safdie crafted an intimate, documentary-like slice of life, deviating from the conventions of a “rousing” sports biopic.

The narrative meticulously explores how Mark, initially perceived as a “smashing machine” who rigidly controlled his life and violence, gradually uncovers the human being buried beneath the persona. The film intricately details the complexities of Mark and Dawn’s relationship, showcasing their “deep profound love and devotion” amidst an “impossible environment.” It portrays how seemingly minor domestic issues, such as arguments over breakfast smoothies or Dawn’s cat, could escalate into significant drama, even leading to Mark’s rage manifesting in him smashing a door.

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The film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festivalwas met with an extraordinary 15-minute standing ovation, marking one of the longest at this year’s festival. Both Johnson and Safdie, along with the real Mark Kerr who was present in the audience, were visibly overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy and gratitude. This powerful reception has ignited early Oscar buzz for Johnson, signaling a significant turning point in his acting career. Johnson spoke openly about the close bond he formed with Kerr during filming, while Blunt consulted the real Dawn Staples to inform her performance.

Safdie underscored the film’s central message: “it’s OK to talk about your pain and it’s OK to feel somebody else’s feelings,” illustrating how winning can paradoxically become an adversary and how a man accustomed to perpetual victory navigates profound loss and addiction, ultimately achieving a transformative personal triumph in embracing his humanity. “The Smashing Machine” is slated to open in theaters from A24 on October 3.