The story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty as told through the eyes of Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) is one of brotherly love and tragedy. The Iron Claw is also based on the true story of the real life wrestling hall of fame Von Erich’s. 

The family patriarch Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) tried and failed to reach the heights of the sport of wrestling. Since his retirement he has driven his progeny to achieve where he failed. His singular ambition more important than the feelings and health of his children. His belief that only by being the strongest can you succeed. 

Kevin is the eldest of four living brothers. The death of his older brother at a young age one of many reasons that the brothers believe that their family is cursed. The film opens on his insanely buff figure lifting itself out of bed and immediately going for a run. His physical presence appears uncomfortably muscular and yet he is fully committed to being the best he can be to try and become a wrestling world champion per his father’s dream. Later in the film his brothers David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and Mike (Stanley Simons) will all follow him or join him in the ring. 

David is the consummate showman and a master on the microphone whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Something that Kevin struggles with. Kerry was going to be an Olympic athlete before fate intervened and is happy to join his brothers in the ring. Whilst Mike never wanted to join them in the ring and instead had dreams of being a musician. His father had other ideas. 

The film is phenomenal in many facets. The story is heartbreaking and the portrayal of brotherly and familial love is powerful. The performances from everyone involved are incredible. Zac Efron is at an absolute career best, physically transforming himself and emotionally tapping into something we have not seen on screen before. Whilst all the other male performances are also superb it is worth mentioning Maura Tierney’s quietly wonderful turn as the Von Erich’s matriarch. A woman whose dreams have also been quietly sacrificed who slowly watches her family slip from her. The portrayal of wrestling is also masterfully done fully emphasising the physical and psychological aspects that go into the show they put on. 

Writer/director Sean Durkin has now created three absolutely brilliant movies across the space of thirteen years. His debut in 2011 Martha Marcy May Marlene, his sophomore effort in 2020 The Nest (2020) and now this. Hopefully he continues to make stories of this brilliance as his career continues. 

A towering achievement and one that everyone should watch.