The Iron Claw

Written and Directed by Sean Durkin

Based on the true and tragic tale of professional wrestling family the Von Erich’s. Kevin (Zac Efron) is the eldest of four surviving brothers, having lost his eldest brother as a child. He also is one of the hopes of landing a world title for his former wrestler and now trainer father, Fritz (Holt McCannally). Kevin is already established but is soon joined in the ring by brother David (Harris Dickinson) and Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) who joins them having lost his chance to go to the Olympics. For each wrestling is in their blood as is their desire to  please a demanding father. But it’s a desire that brings opportunity and tragedy in equal measure.

The true story of the Von Erich’s is incredibly tragic. And while there are things to admire in this telling I wish it had worked better for me.

This partly comes down to some of the story telling decisions. While clearly care is taken in telling such a tragic story, telling it from Kevin’s point of view only, meant it felt like it lost something in understanding how the tragedies developed, leaving them feeling like distant events rather than gut wrenching tragedy. It also never fully explored the themes it introduced, such as Kevin’s own feelings about what had befell his family, was there guilt or responsibility? Or a look at the impact of the demanding father. It all felt a little bit too surface level.

All of which is a pity, because there are things to like. Efron, is a likeable screen presence and carries the story well. He’s also well supported, Allen White and McCannally of the central cast. But also strong support from Maura Tierney as a mum with so much to handle, Lily James as Kevin’s wife and Stanley Simons as youngest brother Mike.

But ultimately it never felt it had the emotional depth it needed.

The Iron Claw takes care in telling a tragic story and I wish I’d liked it more, especially thanks to some strong performances. But sadly it felt that the story never quite got under the skin of the real life tragedy and all felt a little detached. Which is a pity.