Award season is heating up, and A24 is once again making waves with its latest release, The Smashing Machine. Starring Dwayne Johnson in what might be his most transformative role to date, the film follows the story of pioneering MMA fighter Mark Kerr, with Emily Blunt delivering a standout performance as his partner. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a movie about the brutal world of MMA also tug at your heartstrings? A24 seems to think so, and they’re pulling out all the stops to prove it.
To drum up excitement, the studio hosted a one-of-a-kind promotional event in NYC called The Smashing Machine 2000 Arcade. Think classic fighting arcade games, a custom MMA fighting game, and even a boxing ring complete with sparring gear on display. And this is the part most people miss: They had a boxing punch machine straight out of Rocky IV, where you could test your power in PSI. My best? A modest 750—nowhere near Drago’s 1400, but hey, there’s always room for improvement.
The real buzz, though, was the star power in attendance. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt were there—briefly. By the time I got inside, they’d already left, but I did manage to chat with director Benny Safdie, and let me tell you, his passion for the project is infectious. One highlight he shared? The fight scene between Johnson and Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed lineal champion in both heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions, making his cinematic debut as MMA legend Igor Vovchanchyn. Safdie said the filmed audience was in awe, and I can only imagine the energy in that room.
The event didn’t skimp on swag, either. Every attendee scored a free shirt (the same ones worn in the film) and a poster—perfect souvenirs to remember the night. Afterward, I caught a screening of the movie, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Johnson’s performance is a career-best, and Blunt’s portrayal of Dawn Staple is nothing short of brilliant. The film balances high-octane MMA action with deeply emotional moments, proving you don’t need to be a combat sports fan to be moved by this story.
But here’s the controversial take: While the film is a 9 out of 10 (and yes, our own Chris Bumbray agrees—check out his review here), the score occasionally feels distracting, pulling focus from some of the most powerful scenes. Still, this is a movie that deserves Oscar buzz and will likely be remembered as one of 2025’s best. Dwayne Johnson has officially proven he’s more than just an action star—he’s a serious actor capable of carrying a prestige project.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think The Smashing Machine will sweep award season, or is it too niche to break through? And does the score enhance or detract from the film’s impact? Let’s debate in the comments!
