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Poster for The Smashing Machine

The Smashing Machine

Seen it?

2025 | 123 min | Drama, History, Action

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

People are still talking about it, but a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and a box office loss held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Beast or Warrior, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Exciting.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 3 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: expect drug use.

In the late 1990s, up-and-coming mixed martial artist Mark Kerr aspires to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he must also battle his opioid dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    70% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Venice award: Venice International Film Festival: Silver Lion. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 2 Golden Globes and 1 Critics' Choice Award. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $21 million worldwide on a $50 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactVery strong

    About 2.5 million people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Benny Safdie

  • Dwayne JohnsonMark Kerr
  • Emily BluntDawn Staples
  • Ryan BaderMark Coleman
  • Bas RuttenBas Rutten
  • Oleksandr UsykIgor Vovchanchyn
  • Lyndsey GavinElizabeth Coleman
  • Zoe KosovicMcKenzie Coleman
  • Satoshi IshiiEnson Inoue
  • James MoontasriAkira Shoji
  • Yoko HamamuraKazuyuki Fujita