The Iron Claw by writer-director Sean Durkin after running a successful time in theatres, is now coming to small screens. Streaming on Lionsgate Play from June 14, the sports drama featuring Zac Efron, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons and more is a hard-hitting sports biopic, touch-pointing on emotions, with wrestling lying at its core. We got a chance to re-watch the tragic story of the Von Erichs family on the small screen. Here are the 5 thoughts I had about The Iron Claw.
Sports Drama Fans
If you are a fan of the sports drama genre, then The Iron Claw deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist. Taking us through the tragic life of wrestling history’s most popular family–the Von Erichs, the film travels through the lives of four brothers who make history in the world of professional wrestling set in the 1980s but lead a tragic life. For viewers who love watching a wrestling match, this film is the best watch for some hardcore fighting.
Changing Ideas Of Masculinity
Set in the 1980s, the film deals with ideas of toxic masculinity. From all four sons dealing with their daddy issues, entering the wrestling ring to get the desired love from their dads, and ending up in tragic situations, leading to their death, the film focuses on the harsh, almost mechanical relationship between father and sons. The change in forms of toxic masculinity is seen through the growing bond between Zac Efron and his young sons, who normalise a man crying or expressing emotions.
Emotional Roller-coaster
The film will have tears running down your face and touch upon some hard-hitting emotional chords. From the tragic demises to painful dialogues and character portrayals, the film is an emotional roller coaster ride. Special shoutout to Zac Efron, Lily James, and Maura Tierney for their impactful performances.
Zac Efron
Not only through his epic physical transformation but Zac Efron’s fabulous portrayal of Kevin Von Erich was applaudable. Leading the film on his shoulders, Zac’s character graph from boxing rings to moments of vulnerability brought depth and meaning to the plot line. Like a thread, Zac and his character stitched the story and cast it together.
Darkness Of The Ring
The wrestling ring was portrayed in an unusual light, with the dark side of the sport being displayed. The hardships of a sportsman are not only described through their physical wounds but through the emotional turmoil that they experience. The film took us beyond the wrestling ring into the dark rooms, that most of us don’t enter.
The Iron Claw should definitely be on your watchlist this weekend!
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