THE SMASHING MACHINE

A Biographical Sports Drama by Benny Safdie

OSCAR NOMINEE MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING SILVER LION WINNER
The True Story of MMA Pioneer Mark Kerr

πŸ₯Š ENTER THE OCTAGON

Witness Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's most transformative role as he becomes MMA legend Mark Kerr in this gritty biographical drama. From the early days of UFC to personal demons, this film delivers visceral fight sequences and emotional depth. Experience the Oscar-nominated makeup work that turned The Rock into The Smashing Machine!

Love always, Dijhor

Content Includes:

β€’ Intense MMA Fighting
β€’ Physical Violence
β€’ Addiction Themes
β€’ Emotional Struggles
β€’ Sports Drama

Movie Information

Director

Benny Safdie

Co-director of "Good Time"

Year

2025

Runtime

128 minutes

Genre

Biographical Sports Drama

MMA/Boxing Film

Studio

A24

Independent Cinema

Festival Award

Silver Lion
Venice Film Festival

Powerhouse Cast

Dwayne Johnson
as Mark Kerr
Transformative Performance
Emily Blunt
as Dawn Staples
Kerr's Partner
Ryan Bader
as Himself
Real UFC Fighter
Bas Rutten
as Himself
MMA Legend
Oleksandr Usyk
Special Appearance
Boxing Champion
Real Fighters
Various Roles
Authentic MMA Cast

πŸ₯Š Film Synopsis & True Story

The Smashing Machine is a 2025 American biographical sports drama written, directed, produced, and edited by Benny Safdie that chronicles the tumultuous life and career of early MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson.

The film follows Kerr's rise through the early days of the UFC, his intense physical battles inside the octagon, and his personal struggles with pain, addiction, and relationships. It blends visceral fight sequences with emotional depth, creating a raw portrait of a fighter battling both opponents in the cage and demons outside of it.

With an authentic cast featuring real fighters and a standout performance by Emily Blunt as Kerr's partner Dawn Staples, the film delivers both bone-crunching action and heartbreaking drama.

Did You Know? Mark Kerr Facts

β€’ Nicknamed "The Smashing Machine" for his aggressive fighting style
β€’ Two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion
β€’ Considered one of the most dominant early UFC fighters
β€’ Struggled with painkiller addiction during his career
β€’ His life story inspired this biographical drama

🎨 OSCAR-NOMINATED MAKEUP

The film's Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling recognizes the incredible transformation of Dwayne Johnson into Mark Kerr. The makeup team spent hours creating realistic fight damage, aging effects, and physical alterations to make The Rock nearly unrecognizable as the MMA legend.

Prosthetic Work
Bruise Effects
Aging Makeup
Hair Transformation

🎬 WATCH THE FIGHT

Full Film β€’ HD Quality β€’ Wistia Player

πŸ₯Š WELCOME TO THE UFC

Experience the early days of mixed martial arts:

β€’ Witness Dwayne Johnson's dramatic transformation

β€’ See real UFC fighters in authentic roles

β€’ Feel the intensity of early MMA matches

β€’ Experience the emotional journey behind the fights

"The most intense fight is often outside the octagon..."

πŸ† Oscar-Nominated Makeup & Hairstyling

πŸ₯Š Dwayne Johnson's Career-Defining Role

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πŸ† Academy Awards Recognition

BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
98th Academy Awards
Dwayne Johnson's Transformation as Mark Kerr

Festival Awards

β€’ Silver Lion Winner
β€’ Venice International Film Festival
β€’ Premiered September 2025
β€’ Critical & Festival Success

Critical Reception

β€’ A24 Theatrical Release
β€’ Dwayne Johnson Acclaimed
β€’ Benny Safdie's Direction Praised
β€’ MMA Authenticity Celebrated

Makeup Achievement

β€’ Extensive Prosthetic Work
β€’ Realistic Fight Damage
β€’ Aging Effects
β€’ Physical Transformation

MMA & Fighting Elements

Early UFC Days
Pioneer Era MMA
Real Fighters
Authentic Casting
Visceral Action
Intense Fight Sequences
Personal Struggles
Outside the Octagon
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