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SummaryThe true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Directed By:Sean Durkin

Written By:Sean Durkin

The Iron Claw

Metascore
Generally Favorable
73
User score
Generally Favorable
7.9
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
82% Positive
45 Reviews
18% Mixed
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Jan 22, 2024
100
Empire
An eerie, beautifully executed study of duty, grief and wrestling, boasting an excellent cast, and a leap forward for its director. A heavyweight collective has just entered the ring.
Dec 20, 2023
88
Chicago Sun-Times
All four of the actors playing the brothers are standouts, with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White leading the way with some of the finest work of their respective careers. “The Iron Claw” isn’t an easy watch, but it’s one of the best films of the year.
User score
Generally Favorable
85% Positive
144 Ratings
14% Mixed
23 Ratings
2% Negative
3 Ratings
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
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Jan 3, 2025
10
DiegoMesa10
The Iron Claw is a powerful and emotional film, driven by stellar performances and a gripping narrative. The acting is exceptional across the board, with special mention to Lily James, who seamlessly transforms into her role, and Zac Efron, whose recent career choices culminate in a performance that truly shines here. The film is visually captivating, with impressive cinematography and editing that perfectly complement its intense **** heart of the film lies in the complex family dynamics. The way the parents try to push their children toward success, with the father focusing on wrestling and the mother on religion, creates a tragic irony. The siblings, all deeply impacted by their upbringing, struggle with the pressure, leading to heartbreaking outcomes. The movie delves into the curse that seems to plague them, showing how their father’s well-intended actions only end up harming **** standout aspect of the film is its portrayal of brotherhood. The moments of mutual support between the siblings, whether it’s standing up for each other or quietly offering comfort, are poignant and authentic. Zac Efron’s character, as he becomes increasingly superstitious about the family’s curse, is a compelling transformation, with one of the most interesting scenes being when he changes his son’s surname out of **** film also does an excellent job in building suspense around the curse, with each bad event making you question its reality. The way the film handles the unexpected deaths of the characters is particularly effective, providing emotional gut punches that resonate deeply, especially when the consequences of their father’s drive for perfection are revealed.A particularly remarkable moment in the film is its depiction of the afterlife. Instead of opting for a typical representation of heaven, the filmmakers choose a minimalist, emotional scene where the three brothers embrace one another. This was by far one of the most moving moments in the **** terms of flaws, The Iron Claw is nearly flawless. While the film’s pacing is steady, I found myself engrossed in the emotional depth and character arcs, leaving me with little to criticize. The movie is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of family, ambition, and the weight of **** conclusion, The Iron Claw is a beautifully crafted film with brilliant performances and a hauntingly powerful story. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeply emotional cinematic experience.
Mar 28, 2024
10
alejandro970
Of monsters, heroes and men. A story where victory and tragedy are shared equally. The story of a family of wrestling champions is a range of emotions that provokes many sensations but never indifference. One of the best options for spring 2024.
Feb 8, 2024
80
The Guardian
In this film it perhaps isn’t clear what the sacrifices have been for, and Durkin is sufficiently loyal to wrestling and its fanbase not to question it; however there is a muscular force here and the sentimental postmortem scene is inspired.
Dec 12, 2023
80
Screen Rant
It’s a harrowing, visceral, poignant biopic that will surely make you shed a tear or two regardless of whether you knew the Von Erich story.
Dec 15, 2023
70
ScreenCrush
Durkin, a self-described wrestling fan from childhood, has managed to stuff a moving tribute to the art form and its practitioners into a two-hour feature. There’s just so much story to tell here.
Feb 9, 2024
60
The Telegraph
“We’ll tell it, but with one fewer death” is an odd way to go about this tale – which ends up as a solid flexing exercise for its cast, but puts us through a family’s annihilation for no other reason it can ultimately decide upon.
Dec 12, 2023
40
BBC
The Iron Claw's shallowness and eventual treacliness are especially disappointing.
See All 55 Critic Reviews
Dec 31, 2023
10
jeffw38
The Iron Claw is a great film. I had heard, of course, Zac Efron’s name before but no clue who he was. Wife told me. Have to think he’s getting Best Actor nomination. Great performances by all across the board. Not a fan of pro wrestling but everyone knew “Von Erich” name. If this version is true… how incredibly sad. If you have to pick one movie this holiday season you won’t go wrong with this one.
Dec 1, 2024
6
Ralfbergs
While the story in reality is of course movie worthy, in the movie itself too often it felt a bit boring at times and I think since it is a movie such moments should have been avoided. Of course maybe big wrestling fans felt different, so this is just my opinion
Feb 23, 2024
6
Voodoo123
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
Dec 22, 2023
6
TVJerry
The Von Erich brothers were a quartet of pumped-up pro wrestlers in the early 80s (played by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris **** and Stanley Simons working terrible period hair). Their insatiable competitive spirit was nurtured by their strict, domineering, unsympathetic father (Holt McCallany). His unflinching determination led the family to proud success and numerous misfortunes. As for performances, the actor/brothers create a solid, loving bond that cements the film's core, while writer/director Sean Dirkin keeps the narrative mostly dark and mean. The fight scenes are well-staged and brief, because this is not about the sport but about this dysfunctional family. The drama is constant, but despite their struggles, it seldom conveys much deep emotion, which makes their story more sad than tragic
May 26, 2024
3
imthenoob
It's a shame that the real-life story is buried under an endless montage of wrestling and working out. There's just no substance to this.
See All 38 User Reviews
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  • A24
  • Access Entertainment
  • BBC Film
  • House Productions
Dec 22, 2023
2 h 12 m
R
Sons. Brothers. Champions.
Golden Trailer Awards
• 1 Win & 5 Nominations
Music City Film Critics' Association Awards
• 5 Nominations
Chicago Indie Critics Awards (CIC)
• 5 Nominations
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