Dwayne Johnson has ventured into his most profound and dramatic role to date, starring as UFC champion Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s wrestling biopic “The Smashing Machine.” The film, which screened in competition at the Venice Film Festival, garnered a rapturous reception, including a 15-minute standing ovation that left Johnson in tears, signaling a potential shift in his career and sparking early Oscar buzz. This project marks a significant departure for Johnson, known predominantly for high-octane action franchises like “Jumanji” and “Fast and Furious.” He revealed his long-held desire to expand his acting repertoire, moving beyond the box-office driven roles that often pigeonholed him. Johnson expressed a burning desire to explore deeper, more intense, and raw characters, seeking to tap into his own past experiences and make films that truly matter by exploring humanity, struggle, and pain. His co-star, Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend and later wife, Dawn Staples, was a key encourager, along with director Benny Safdie.

“The Smashing Machine” delves into the complex life of Mark Kerr, chronicling his triumphs as a mixed martial arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship star, alongside his struggles with addiction to painkillers and a tumultuous relationship with Staples. Johnson underwent extensive prosthetic work to transform into the hulking two-time UFC Heavyweight champ, a physical change that Blunt described as “spooky” and “extraordinary.” The film presents Kerr not just as a "smashing machine" in the ring but as a man grappling with inner demons, a control-freak nature, and a rage he struggles to manage. The narrative highlights the emotional toll of his profession, including a pivotal fight loss after a domestic dispute with Dawn, and his journey through addiction and recovery.

Benny Safdie, making his solo feature directorial debut after acclaimed collaborations with his brother Josh on films like “Uncut Gems,” brings a bracing, clear-eyed, and humane approach to the sports biopic. Safdie based the film on a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name and expressed greater interest in the emotional landscape of fighting rather than just the physical aspects. His direction allows for an intimate, documentary-like portrayal of life between the lines, drawing comparisons to Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” and even "Raging Bull." The film explores how Kerr, who had constructed his entire self as a controlled engine of demolition, ultimately finds the human being buried inside the machine.

Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Dawn Staples is noted for its authenticity and depth, depicting a character with a "whiplash spontaneity" and a bittersweet fusion of compassion and arrogance. Blunt's generosity in consulting the real-life Dawn Staples contributed to her performance, showcasing the profound love and devotion between the couple amidst an impossible environment. The emotional weight of the film was evident at Venice, with Mark Kerr himself, present in the audience, also shedding tears during the standing ovation. Johnson acknowledged Kerr’s profound impact, noting that the film explores what happens when winning becomes the enemy, a pressure he believes many can relate to. “The Smashing Machine” is set to open in theaters from A24 on October 3.