WFG RATING: A+

An A24 production in association with House Productions, Access Entertainment, and BBC Film. Written and directed by Sean Durkin.  Produced by Sean Durkin, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont, Tessa Ross, and Derrin Schlesinger. Cinematography by Matyas Erdely. Edited by Matthew Hannam.

Stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, Michael J. Harman, Maura Tierney, and Lily James.

The life of the Von Erich family and their “curse” is the heart of this powerful emotional drama from writer-director Sean Durkin.

As a wrestler in the 1950s, Jack Adkinsson, under the name “Fritz Von Erich”, dreamed of becoming NWA Heavyweight Champion. In 1979, he is the founder of World Class Championship Wrestling in Dallas. He trained his sons Kevin and David in the sport in hopes they will live the dream he missed. Kevin proves himself time and time again to become a possible contender for the title, until current champ Harley Race has him disqualified and David stands up for his brother. However, things start going downhill for the family.

David, set to face off against new champ Ric Flair, is found dead while touring in Japan. Kerry, an aspiring shot put Olympian, finds himself now wrestling after his Olympic dreams are destroyed from the 1980 boycott of the United States. Mike, the youngest brother who wants nothing to do with the sport, finds himself forced to train but suffers so much he feels he has disgraced the family. Kerry gets into an accident but finds himself going to the major leagues in the WWF until it becomes too much for him as well. Kevin attempts to keep the family together, but realizes that the “curse” may have taken over too much even for him. 

For many years, fans of professional wrestling have heard of the Von Erich family and the supposed “curse” that has brought them down despite to this day being of the most influential families in the sport. Sean Durkin wrote and directed this biopic that is emotionally powerful and heartbreaking, guaranteed by the film’s end to bring a tear even to the toughest of guys. 

Zac Efron has proven (or had to prove himself) as of late that he could go past his old Disney High School Musical days and after an amazing performance as serial killer Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, this is perhaps one of his greatest performances yet. Literally going through a physical transformation to play Kevin Von Erich, Efron complements the physical with the emotional strife of having to constantly please his father, played by an excellent Holt McCallaney; and enjoy his life as a married man all while trying to be there for his brothers. It is if he is the “glue”, or attempts to be the “glue” that strengthens the bond between the brothers. 

Jeremy Allen White also went through a massive physical transformation to play Kerry, who would go on to be known as “The Texas Tornado” in the former WWF now WWE in the late 80s and early 90s and once again, he pulls off a very great performance as a man whose life becomes a literal rollercoaster. As for Harris Dickinson, he is great as David, who has nothing but respect for Kevin and even when he’s berated for getting a title shot after standing up for him, the fact Kevin accepts David knowing he meant well shows what a heart and respect the two had for each other. Rounding out the brothers is Stanley Simons’ Mike, who is more into his music than following in the footsteps of the family until he feels he must do it after David’s passing to perhaps pay respect to him. 

Lily James is also great as Pam, the woman who wins Kevin’s heart and as they get married, she is at first supportive of Kevin. However, she can eventually tell he is pressured to keeping the bond between his brothers when things go downhill and even when he’s inherited the business after his father retires, she tries to convince him to slow it down sometimes to no avail. However, it is after a specific tragic event that Kevin realizes things may not exactly be as it seems. 

The Iron Claw is emotional, heartbreaking, and powerful led by a phenomenal ensemble cast led by Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich. It definitely is one you must see!