Well, well, well, look who’s back.
Listen, 2023 was an insane year but I’m glad to be back. And with a review that may come as a shock to some. Today, we’re here to talk about The Iron Claw directed by Sean Durkin.
Now, wrestling? On Fangirl Nation? Well, yeah. Wrestling, like any fandom, has rich narratives, good and bad guys to root for and against, overarching sagas and intense interpersonal drama both in and out of the ring. Wrestling is the perfect additional hobby for a polyglot fangirl.
The film centers around a family that is deeply rooted in Texas history: the Von Erichs. The story of the Von Erichs is one filled with tragedy. I knew the story from my similar addiction to the show Dark Side of the Ring and the story of the family is just crushing.
The movie focuses on the Von Erich family over several years at the rise of their fame and the painful lows that led them to the place they are now: with a singular member of the family remaining: Kevin Von Erich.
Here’s where I have to give a mandatory trigger warning. If you are sensitive to discussions about suicide, suicidal ideation, illegal drug use and domestic abuse both mental and physical: this movie is not going to be an easy watch.
It’s hard to spoil a story that’s been so well-documented but despite some artistic liberties taken by the director, this movie was brilliant. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to punch Fritz Von Erich in the neck.
Now, this movie is not perfect. As mentioned, clearly some liberties are taken. Timelines are jumbled, entire pieces of the saga are omitted to keep the focus very squarely on the most empathetic of the Von Erichs. Another slight nitpicky note but some of the replica belts used look…less than high quality. I know the budget was $16 million, an incredibly low budget for a film released in theaters but the prop department has some explaining to do.
But there’s one thing I gotta praise, something I never thought I’d do: Zac Efron is fantastic as Kevin Von Erich. He has the physicality, the build, the strength, and his performance is sympathetic and reserved. He plays the perfect himbo who is equal parts naive and incredibly world-weary.
The story of the Von Erichs is beautifully portrayed in The Iron Claw and I can’t help but recommend it.
Thanks for reading. I’m glad to be back!
