The Iron Claw - Cinematic Excellence

The Iron Claw is not only one of the best films of 2023, but one of the best to come out in years. Engaging, engrossing, thought provoking and absolutely grabs your heart from the start and never lets it go. How this film hasn’t gotten more attention, or any award nominations is quite beyond my comprehension. 

From the writing to the post production, this movie is not simply a “wrestling movie”, but a masterclass in cinema. The Iron Claw chronicles the heart wrenching story of the legendary wrestling family, The Von Erichs, through the 1970’s and 80’s. It follows them from childhood as their father, Fritz Von Erich played by Holt McCallany, callously molds and single-mindedly trains his five sons for a life meant to dominate the wrestling world.  Written and directed by Sean Durkin, the story is Fraught with multiple conflicts and tragedies with The Von Erich Curse pursuing the family throughout. This Curse seems to even foul the sweetness of their every triumph.

 However, throughout it all, the central character, Kevin Von Erich, played by Zac Efron, remains ever stalwart in his dedication to his career and his four brothers. Zac Efron gives the performance of a lifetime in this role and it is a disservice to the industry and his career that he has received no nominations for it. 

This movie showcases a tour de force of talent including Jeremy Allen White portrays the conflicted and broken Kerry Von Erich. I applaud this film, as well as White, for putting on display a very real and distressing aspect of life after limb loss. This is something that not only the general public should know more about, but the medical industry itself, which has all but ignored it. Kerry’s story alone could be the entire plot for a feature length film. However, its depiction in The Iron Claw is not only respectful to the real life Von Erich clan, but to all of us living a life with limb loss. 

The only criticism I would offer at this time would be the omission of a sixth Von Erich brother, Chris. With the tragedies this family suffered over the years, it does feel a tad disrespectful to leave one of those tragedies out. 

All in all I have to proclaim this film is a triumph of cinematic excellence, and should have swept every awards ceremony. The fact that it has been completely ignored by the awards shows is troubling to say the least. 

Do yourself a favor and watch The Iron Claw. It is absolutely not to be missed!