Wrestling Has Never Looked As Good On Film As It Does In 'The Iron Claw'

By Andrew Sanford | Film | December 29, 2023 |

By Andrew Sanford | Film | December 29, 2023 |

There was a time when I thought I would be a professional wrestler. It was a dream. I’m not nearly athletic enough. I’d also be short for a wrestler (I’m 5’10). The good thing about dreams is that they don’t have to be realistic. So, now and then, I fantasize about jumping from the top rope or cutting a scathing promo about my upcoming opponent. Watching wrestling will often stoke these flames. But nothing has done so as thoroughly as The Iron Claw.

The Iron Claw is a new movie about the Von Erich family. They were an actual family of professional wrestlers who were megastars. Despite hitting their peak popularity in the 80s, the family is still recognized as one of the greatest families in wrestling today (as pointed out in the film). The film focused primarily on the almost unbelievable score of tragedies that struck the family outside the ring. It also showed what many people at the time did (and many still do): pro-wrestling is cool as f***.

Before we go any further, I want to say that there will be slight spoilers here. I won’t get too into details, but things will be discussed. If you haven’t seen the movie (you should) and want to be surprised, bookmark this puppy and come back after.

Director Sean Durkin accomplished something special with The Iron Claw. The in-ring action is shown with love, care, and depth. The audience is taken into the ring, waiting in the wings and everywhere in between. It is an apt way of telling this story, given that the WCCW (the Von Erich’s home promotion) pioneered how they filmed in-ring action. The wrestling feels as vital as anything else in the film (as it should).

Kevin Von Erich (played by Zac Efron) is the focus of the film. We see him meet his wife, interact with his brothers, and struggle to meet his father’s expectations. There are times when he feels upstaged and out of place. All of this is represented outside of the ring but inside as well. The film understands that wrestling is storytelling, and instead of casting it aside, they make it integral to the film.

Kevin’s struggles and successes are mirrored in the squared circle. When he’s with his brothers, it’s high energy and beautiful angles. Things get dirty and gritty when he reaches his breaking point. We even see him struggle to not have his brothers by his side by being placed with a tag partner whom he doesn’t gel with. That character, by the way, was Lance Von Erich, who was added to the Von Erichs despite not being blood-related. It didn’t go over well with the family or the fans, and if you are familiar with the family’s history, it was messed up.

The film also knows when not to show wrestling, making it much more impactful. At one point, Kevin’s brother Kerry is granted a world title shot against Ric Flair. That match was wrestled in front of 45,000 people. It was huge. We don’t see it, though. We see Kevin, waiting in the wings, watching his shot go to someone else. It’s perfect. However, if you want to watch the match, you can check it out here.

I may be biased, but despite the overwhelming sadness of the film, I walked out more in love with pro wrestling than ever before. I cried quite a bit during the film, don’t get me wrong. It just showcased the love of the sport that the whole family felt so beautifully. They gave it reverence instead of treating it like a joke. They didn’t shy away from showing the downside. They made the upsides feel magnificent. Even the promos, at times stiff and wooden (intentionally so), are treated with respect.

I loved The Iron Claw. I’ve got brothers, I love wrestling, and I love Tom Sawyer, so it checked a lot of boxes for me. Still, it could have been something else in lesser hands. Not everyone loves pro wrestling, and I get that. But Sean Durkin clearly does, and the film benefits greatly from it.

For fun, here is a promo from the real-life Von Erichs. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know it proceeds some tragic events. Still, you can feel the love, and that’s important too.