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Whether you intend to watch ’the big game’ on Sunday or not, there’s just something about a great sports narrative. And no, we’re not talking about the NFL’s tired retread of a matchup we already saw two years ago between Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles— we’re talking about sports movies. Even if you’re more into watching film than sports— and let’s be honest, if you’re part of the Film Independent community, then there’s a good chance of that — the best sports films have something for everyone. There’s the irresistible underdog you can’t help rooting for. Determined characters coming together to face insurmountable odds. The framework— an individual or team in pursuit of greatness — is a classic hero’s journey. But as the films below showcase, the best sports stories aren’t actually about the sport at all. They’re about relationships,...

The Iron Claw unapologetically holds a mirror to the world of professional wrestling – the same world it bases itself on. The A24 film, which brims with energy but also superficiality, is based on the true story of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty – a Texas family plagued by tragedy.

Zac Efron in The Iron Claw | Credits: A24

Sean Durkin, known best for Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Nest, assembled a strong cast for the film, including Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Holt McCallany.

Efron’s journey from the boy in High School Musical to wrestler Kevin Von Erich, the loyal leader of the wrestling clan, does reflect his versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles. That, nevertheless, is for the soul, but what about the tummy? Let’s look into what Zac Efron might have earned for playing Von Erich.

Breaking down how much Zac Efron...

David Von Erich's cause of death is alluded to in The Iron Claw, but conflicting real-life stories have caused confusion about what really killed the ill-fated pro-wrestler. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw is a sports biopic about the famous Von Erich brothers from Texas who followed in the footsteps of their pro-wrestler father, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), and created a dynasty. The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erichs' rise to fame as pro-wrestlers in the '80s and the "curse" believed to have caused a string of tragic deaths in their family.

Although there were six Von Erich brothers in real life, the eldest, Jack Adkisson Jr., died at the age of six before the timeline of the movie. The Iron Claw also leaves out the youngest Von Erich brother, Chris, who died by suicide in 1991. As such, not every...

How the team behind the Oscar contender managed to make a three-hour-plus film feel significantly shorter.

David Jancso is so close with filmmakers Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold that the editor has been by the couple’s side for several major milestones over the last decade, from cutting Corbet’s debut film The Childhood of a Leader and Fastvold’s 2020 feature The World to Come to witnessing the early days of Corbet and Fastvold’s daughter’s life in the pair’s Paris apartment.

“I understand what Brady wants, and his visionary approach to filmmaking is something that you just don’t forget,” Jancso tells Gold Derby.

Neither is The Brutalist, Corbet’s acclaimed new film and one of the season’s top awards contenders, with seven Golden Globe Awards nominations including Best Drama, Best Director for Corbet, and Best Screenplay for Corbet and Fastvold. Set in the aftermath of World War II,...

Jeremy Allen White may well be one of the most dynamic actors working today. He's handled the heat and stayed in the kitchen in The Bear, flexed his muscles as professional wrestler Kerry Von Erich in Sean Durkin's emotional duplex of a movie The Iron Claw, and will soon be seen getting his Boss on in Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me. And for his next move? Well, according to THR, White's about to swap Nebraska for a galaxy far, far away. Yes, the in-demand New Yorker is joining the Star Wars universe and will be voicing a key role in Jon Favreau's recently wrapped Mandoverse movie The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Per the trade's reporting, White is set to voice Rotta the Hutt — son of limacine gangster Jabba — in Favreau's new Star Wars spin-off, which will see Pedro Pascal reprise his role as the titular bounty hunter from The...

For Sarah Paulson, “Hold Your Breath” brought a sigh of relief. Sure, the Emmy- and Tony-winner here plays a woman in the 1930s Dust Bowl who is convinced her children are in danger of an unseen monster dubbed Gray Man. But the experience acting in the horror-thriller made Paulson feel “liberated.”

“American Horror Story” icon Paulson makes her executive producer film debut with the feature, co-directed and co-written by Will Joines and Karrie Crouse (“Westworld”), who previously collaborated on the short film “Propagation.” Crouse’s script was developed in the Sundance Writers’ Lab, with “Hold Your Breath,” originally titled “Dust,” announced in 2022.

“It came to me because I guess Carrie and Will, our directors, thought of me for it,” Paulson told IndieWire, adding that the film was presented as a possible project for her to executive produce. “My agent … read it earlier on and had really liked it. I was very grateful for the opportunity.

Sarah Paulson made a cameo on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica on Saturday night to participate in a Q&a following the Beyond Fest premiere of her new Searchlight Pictures thriller Hold Your Breath.

And what a lively session it turned out to be inside the Aero Theatre, as the chat not only covered her work in the Karrie Crouse- and Will Joines-directed film (streaming Oct. 3 on Hulu) but also touched on other high-profile performances and a few notable co-stars.

After receiving wild applause from the enthusiastic crowd when it was mentioned that she’s the (newish) owner of a Tony for Appropriate, the Emmy winner was asked if she navigates spaces differently based on the project. “Sure, I do actually and I have since I played Linda Tripp in [Impeachment: American Crime Story],” said the veteran Ryan Murphy collaborator of the playing the polarizing figure in the...

Apart from featuring a new set of characters, Apartment 7A also marks the return of several familiar faces from its parent film, Rosemary's Baby. Based on Ira Levin's 1967 novel, Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby premiered over half a decade ago but is still often ranked among the best horror flicks of all time. Its exploration of themes surrounding Catholicism, the occult, and women's liberation remains timeless and influential, explaining why its narrative has further expanded with a prequel movie, Apartment 7A.

Directed by Natalie Erika James, Apartment 7A unfolds in the same setting as Rosemary's Baby, walking through the backstory of a character, Terry Gionoffrio, who briefly appears in the parent film. Since Apartment 7A's story is set in the primary location as Rosemary's Baby, the prequel film reinstates many original characters from the 1968 film. At the same time, it also adds a few new players to the...

There’s no question Carrie Coon broke out with HBO series “The Leftovers.” Landing that role was a big deal for the actress. “I had little on-camera work up to that point,” she told IndieWire over Zoom. “I had done some commercial work in Chicago. I had done one guest star on ‘The Playboy Club,’ with Laura Benanti. I didn’t have that much on-camera experience.”

But a Tony nomination for her performance as Honey in Steppenwolf’s 2012 production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” opened doors to meetings with casting directors — and her husband Tracy Letts. Ellen Lewis had Coon in for an audition. “I met with Damon [Lindelof],” said Coon. “I shot the pilot, which was only one speech, and then I went off and did ‘Gone Girl,’ which I also booked off a tape in my living room. I went through David Fincher boot camp. [‘The Leftovers’] was my first series regular job.

Horror films have always been a way to interrogate the anxieties of a time, society, or culture and reflect them to the viewer -- like a twisted funhouse mirror. Fear is a universal emotion and history is known to repeat itself, so horror is a genre filled with remakes, some of which are very good. Sometimes, like in the case of Leigh Whannell's "The Invisible Man," a remake evolves into something entirely different than the original story to better resonate with modern audiences. And sometimes a remake is, unfortunately, nothing more than a blatant cash grab from a studio looking to squeeze some blood out of the all-holy stone of "Recognizable IP."

And then there are the most controversial of all remakes: the Americanized remake.

Despite the knee-jerk reaction claiming otherwise, American remakes are neither inherently inadequate nor synonymous with "unnecessary." TV shows like "Shameless" and "The Office" are American remakes,...

Sarah Paulson is traveling back in time for her latest horror installment.

The “American Horror Story” staple leads thriller “Hold Your Breath,” which is set in Oklahoma in the 1930s amid the region’s horrific dust storms — as if the Depression wasn’t depressing enough. Paulson’s character Margaret is convinced that a sinister presence is threatening her family as she grieves a loss and tries to protect her daughter.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Annaleigh Ashford, Amiah Miller, and Bill Heck co-star.

The film was announced in 2022 and was originally titled “Dust.”

Will Joines and Karrie Crouse (“Westworld”) co-directed and co-wrote the horror film. Crouse’s script was developed in the Sundance Writers’ Lab. The duo previously collaborated on short film “Propagation.”

Paulson told People that she researched the ’30s to embrace its historical accuracy. Part of her education was watching Ken Burns’ “Dust Bowl” documentary to prepare for the role.

“The movie,...

If you’ve already dived into our massive fall movie preview, then you have a strong sense of what to have on your radar over the next four months. Now let’s examine September a little closer, already including a few new additions since our fall preview went up. Of course, from Venice to TIFF to NYFF, much of the month will be dedicated to our festival coverage, which you can follow here.

12. The Featherweight (Robert Kolodny; Sept. 20)

With the never-ending glut of biopics, particularly those centered in the world of sports, it can often feel like there’s not much new territory to cover. While Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw recently showed how a singular vision can elevate the genre, another film taking place partially inside the ring breathes new life. Robert Kolodny, who worked on the cinematography team of All the Beauty and the Bloodshed and Procession,...

The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival officially kicks off on Wednesday with the eyes of the film world focused on the Lido.

Long-running festival director Alberto Barbera and his team have unveiled a star-studded lineup, including possible awards season contenders. But which premieres can’t be missed amid the busy program?

THR‘s chief movie critic David Rooney looked through the selection of the big Italian festival to pick some of the most intriguing prospects.

The Brutalist

When Brady Corbet was in Venice at age 16 with Mysterious Skin, instead of flying home with his director Gregg Araki and co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, he stayed on a couple extra days to see the new Claire Denis film, The Intruder. That same cinephile curiosity is evident in the choice of filmmakers with whom he’s worked, among them Michael Haneke, Sean Durkin, Lars von Trier, Olivier Assayas and Mia Hansen-Love. Co-written with Mona Fastvold,...

A premiere at last year’s Venice Film Festival is now coming to theaters next month. Robert Kolodny’s feature debut The Featherweight, which stars James Madio, Ruby Wolf, Keir Gilchrist, Stephen Lang, Ron Livingston, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Shari Albert, and undefeated professional featherweight boxer Bruce Carrington, is based on the true story of the winningest American boxer in the history of the sport. Ahead of a September 20 release, the first trailer and poser have arrived.

Here’s the synopsis: “Set in the mid-1960s in Hartford, Connecticut, The Featherweight presents a gripping chapter in the true-life story of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep the winningest fighter of all time—who, down and out in his mid-40s and with his personal life in shambles, decides to make a return to the ring, at which point a documentary camera crew enters his life. Painstakingly researched and constructed, the film is a...

The Iron Claw leaves out details like fake Von Erich brothers and omitted family members for narrative focus. Director Sean Durkin emphasizes emotional truth over factual accuracy in the Von Erich family story. The film portrays strained relationships and tragic events within the wrestling dynasty, highlighting personal struggles.

Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Iron Claw and contains descriptions of violence and suicide. The Iron Claw is based on the true story of the iconic wrestling family, who famously suffered great loss, and, unfortunately, many of the hidden details that the film omits only add to the tragedy. Throughout the film, what is expressed more than anything is the bond between the brothers and how much they love each other. Director and writer Sean Durkin has expressed that while the film is concerned with the emotional truth of the Von Erichs' story, the movie is still dramatized and shouldn't be considered fact.

Zac Efron will appear as a Hollywood star and his overly enthusiastic fan in Jody Hill’s Famous. More on the film below.

Zac Efron is collaborating with A24 once again after the success of Sean Durkin’s wrestling biopic The Iron Claw. As reported by Deadline, A24 has acquired the distribution rights to Jody Hill’s upcoming thriller Famous, in which Efron will star in two roles.

Efron is set to play James Janse, a Hollywood star, as well as his manic fan Lance Dunkquist. The film is based on Blake Crouch’s acclaimed novel and adapted for the screen by Chad Hodge.

Here’s Deadline’s summary of the premise: “The story follows Dunkquist, who has one asset that’s about to change his life – he has the face of a movie star. And not just any movie star – Lance is the spitting image of a Hollywood icon,...

A24 loved Zac Efron’s work in “The Iron Claw” so much, it’s tapping him to play not one but two roles in another upcoming thriller.

A24 has pre-bought the domestic distribution rights to “Famous,” a thriller that will star Efron in a dual role and will be directed by Jody Hill (“Eastbound and Down”), an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire.

“Famous” is also being produced by “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail alongside Michael Sagol, and Chad Hamilton producing.

“Famous” is based on the book of the same name by Blake Crouch. It follows the life of Lancelot Blue Dunkquist, an overzealous fan and loser living above his parents’ garage and working a meaningless job but who is the spitting image of world famous movie star James Jansen. When Dunkquist loses his job, he decides to follow his dream to become famous at whatever cost. Efron...

Mingling retrospectives, themed series, and a handful of new films’ streaming premieres, Mubi’s August 2024 lineup is unveiled. At the top comes “American Outsider: The Films of Kelly Reichardt,” which joins Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff with the already-playing Certain Women and River of Grass.

Streaming premieres are being given to four new films we admired: Ernst De Geer’s The Hypnosis, Mikhaël Hers’ The Passengers of the Night, Baloji’s Omen, and Levan Akin’s Crossing, a Mubi release. Meanwhile, Sean Durkin’s The Nest joins “The Art of Deception: Swindlers, Scoundrels and Sharks,” a series including Alain Resnais’ little-seen Stavisky, Lee Chang-dong’s Burning, and Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave.

Check out the lineup below, and get 30 days free here.

August 1st

Wendy & Lucy, directed by Kelly Reichardt | American Outsider: The Films of Kelly Reichardt

Meek’s Cutoff, directed by Kelly Reichardt | American Outsider: The Films of Kelly Reichardt

Omen,...

Daisy Ridley, known best for her role as Rey in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, had a brand new, critically acclaimed movie in theaters this past weekend. One would be forgiven for not knowing that, though, as Disney didn't launch a huge campaign for the release of "Young Woman and the Sea." Be that as it may, the Mouse House believes they have a winner on their hands, which is why they put the movie in theaters in the first place. But it's not trying to rake in big bucks at the box office, that's for sure. In fact, the studio isn't even reporting box office numbers for the film at all.

Disney is not sharing official figures for "Young Woman and the Sea," which is odd for a company known for its dominance at the box office in the 2010s. Granted, Disney hasn't been nearly as dominant in the pandemic era,...

The Iron Claw On Ott

The year 2023 was filled with excellent Hollywood releases. We already know the buzz and craze that happened for Oppenheimer and Barbie. One such movie that was heavily praised last year was ‘The Iron Claw’. It’s a biographical sports drama that received good reviews for its storytelling and performances. The film was released in US theatres on December 22, 2023.

The movie was released in theatres six months ago. The sports drama based on the Von Erich family will soon stream online in India. As the movie is based on wrestling, many Indians are fans of the sport, so one can expect people to enjoy it thoroughly.

The Iron Claw: Cast, Where & When To Watch It & More

The Iron Claw cast includes Zac Efron as Kevin Von Eric, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Michael J Harney,...

The Iron Claw is the seventh most popular title on streaming for the week of May 16 22, according to a new popularity chart. The movie tells the true story of the Von Erich family wrestling team, with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White starring. The Iron Claw was met with positive reviews from audiences and critics and was a modest box office success.

The Iron Claw starring Zac Efron is now a streaming hit following its release last December. Directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers, a family wrestling team from the 1980s. Efron stars in the film as Kevin Von Erich, with supporting performances from Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Holt McCallany. The Iron Claw was met with a warm reception from audiences, and currently sports an impressive 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, Reelgood reveals that The Iron Claw...

Maura Tierney plays Doris Adkisson, the matriarch of the famous Von Erich wrestling family from Texas who suffered immense tragedy throughout their lives. Tierney's casting as Doris in the Von Erich family biopic, The Iron Claw, was foreshadowed by her previous role in Liar Liar, in which Jim Carrey's character does the Von Erichs' signature clawhold move. Liar Liar featuring the Von Erich family's signature move is demonstrative of the lasting impact they had on pro wrestling.

Maura Tierney's role as Doris in Sean Durkin's The Iron Claw paid off a hilarious bit from the Jim Carrey comedy movie she starred in 27 years ago. In 2023, The Iron Claw brought the true story of the Von Erich brothers to life by showcasing the beloved Texas pro wrestlers' rise to fame in the '80s as well as the darker side of the supposedly "cursed" family's history.

Tierney played the famous family's matriarch,...

The Iron Claw showcases the tragic story of the Von Erich brothers, with Kevin blaming his father for their untimely deaths. Despite the film's success, Kevin has publicly defended his father, stating that drugs, not Fritz, were to blame for his brothers' deaths. The intense climax between Kevin and Fritz in The Iron Claw captures the deep-seated pain and complex relationship within the Von Erich family.

The disheartening outcome of the Von Erich brothers in The Iron Claw leaves Kevin placing most of the blame on his father Fritz. The Iron Claw chronicles the tragic true story of the Von Erich brothers, who became one of the most legendary families in the history of professional wrestling. Zac Efron leads an exceptional cast in The Iron Claw as Kevin Von Erich, the second-born son and last living of the five Von Erich brothers.

Sean Durkin's film has been celebrated as...

Zac Efron was told by director Sean Durkin not to cry while filming The Iron Claw until the very last scene. The emotional final scene, which sees Kevin break down watching his sons play together because all of his own brothers are gone, is elevated by the deliberate choice to delay Kevin's tears. Because Fritz Von Erich instilled the belief in his sons that "a man doesn't cry," Kevin's own sons comforting him and letting him cry takes on a deeper meaning in The Iron Claw's final scene.

One BTS detail about The Iron Claw adds another layer of meaning to Zac Efron's emotional closing scene. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the real-life Von Erich family, who dominated the pro wrestling scene in the '80s. The Iron Claw chronicles the iconic Von Erich brothers' rise to fame as wrestlers...

April’s showers brought in a garden flowers that have bloomed into an entire new selection of movies landing on HBO’s streamer Max in May.

Each month, streamers drop some brand new cinematic goodies that any and everyone can enjoy. From action-packed faves, funny female-led comedies and iconic biopics, there’s tons of stories to get into and we’re here to make it a little easier for you.

While Max’s slate of new films in May stretch way beyond these seven titles, TheWrap wanted to point your attention to best ones on its lineup. Here’s our curated list of some of the best new movies on Amazon Prime Video in May.

“Mad Max” (1979) “Mad Max”

There’s nothing like taking all the back to the original. If you’d like to see Hollywood’s first go at the dystopian action sci-fi flick, Max has George Miller...

Zac Efron is 5'8", making him six inches shorter than Kevin Von Erich, the pro wrestler he portrays in The Iron Claw, who is 6'2". Zac Efron and the real Kevin Von Erich's height difference wasn't so glaring onscreen, since all the other actors in The Iron Claw were also shorter than their real-life Von Erich counterparts. Zac Efron physically transformed to achieve Kevin Von Erich's jacked physique by gaining 15 pounds of muscle and undergoing a strict workout regimen.

Zac Efron plays larger-than-life professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich of the famous Von Erich brothers in The Iron Claw, but there's a bit of a height difference between the actor and the wrestler in real life. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of Kevin Von Erich and his family, who rose to fame in the '80s and dominated the competitive world of professional wrestling.

The Iron Claw features real-life wrestlers like Mjf and Ryan Nemeth portraying iconic figures in the Von Erich family story. Pro wrestlers like Chavo Guerrero Jr. bring authenticity to the film as they play key roles in the wrestling world depicted. The movie pays homage to wrestling history by including real wrestlers in memorable scenes, adding depth to the storytelling.

There are several real-life wrestlers that appear in the critically acclaimed new A24 film The Iron Claw. Directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw is the first true biographical drama about the famous Von Erich family of wrestlers, made up of a group of tightly-knit brothers and an overbearing and demanding father who used to be a professional himself. An outstanding Zac Efron leads a star-studded cast as the oldest living Von Erich brother named Kevin alongside Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons).

While Efron...

Despite what headlines say, not every movie transformation leaves actors looking "unrecognizable," but we promise when it comes to describing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in A24's first look at "The Smashing Machine," this isn't hyperbole. The wrestler turned actor whose on-screen career has so far been composed largely of broad, action-packed blockbusters is doing something different with the upcoming indie film, and he has a decidedly different look to go with it.

The look is so different, in fact, that when I first saw the still A24 posted to X (formerly Twitter) today with the caption "First look at Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt," I found myself looking to each side of the mixed martial arts fighter in the center of the shot, assuming Johnson was actually somewhere in the background. The actor's muscled physique is on display here, but he's also got...

Like The Iron Claw walks through the Von Erich family's tragedies, Dark Side of the Ring sheds light on several controversies and dark secrets of the wrestling world. Dark Side of the Ring also dedicates an entire episode to the Von Erich family's story.

After watching The Iron Claw, audiences need to check out a hard-hitting wrestling documentary show that gives new insights into the movie's story. Directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw is a profoundly poignant biopic that focuses on the series of tragedies faced by the wrestling world's renowned Von Erich family. The film's tear-jerking drama is further elevated by the compelling performances of its cast, which includes Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, and Lily James.

The Iron Claw is not the first film that uses the wrestling world as a narrative device to tell a deeply emotional and multi-layered story.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Iron Claw.

Kerry's coin symbolizes passing the family legacy to Kevin in The Iron Claw's afterlife scene. The coin's connections to Greek mythology highlight Kerry's entrance into the underworld. Kerry's tragic story and family curse in The Iron Claw is portrayed through a touching and profound afterlife scene.

Kerry's coin in The Iron Claw has a deeper meaning in the film's afterlife scene. The Iron Claw chronicles the tragic true story of the Von Erich brothers, who became one of the most legendary families in the history of professional wrestling. Zac Efron leads an exceptional cast in The Iron Claw as Kevin Von Erich, the second-born son and last living of the five Von Erich brothers. Sean Durkin's film has been celebrated as one of the best wrestling movies ever made despite getting snubbed at the 2024 Oscars.

As part of a family plagued...

Jack Adkisson changed his name to Fritz Von Erich when he started wrestling to better match his controversial Nazi persona in the ring, which is not mentioned in The Iron Claw. According to The Iron Claw and Fritz himself, the "Von Erich" name originated from his mother's side of the family (which connects to the famous Von Erich family curse), though there are conflicting reports on this. All five of Fritz's sons adopted the Von Erich moniker when they made their wrestling debuts, though they kept the same first names assigned at birth.

The famous pro-wrestling family at the center of The Iron Claw changed their name from Adkisson to Von Erich, but the 2023 sports biopic doesnt delve into the reasoning behind their ring name change. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the real-life Von Erich family, a wrestling dynasty from Texas...

The tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family explores addiction, mental health, and untimely deaths. The Iron Claw showcases the personal struggles and lasting impact of the Von Erich family in wrestling history. Through heart-wrenching narratives, the film captures the legacy of the Von Erich brothers in a poignant manner.

This article discusses issues around drug addiction, mental health, and suicide.

The Iron Claw told the tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family and depicted the brothers at different points throughout their lives. With life stories that were categorized by one heartbreaking event after another, many of the Von Erichs had untimely deaths and suffered from addiction issues, mental health troubles, and a myriad of personal problems. While the story of The Iron Claw was seen through the eyes of the only living brother, Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), the harrowing circumstances of the entire legendary wrestling familys existence were captured throughout.

The best festivals point to the future, capture the zeitgeist, or honor the past. At Locarno in 2015, you could have had all three: Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Happy Hour (his first time premiering in a major competition), Chantal Akerman’s No Home Movie (the director in attendance just months before she died), and Hong Sangsoo’s Right Now, Wrong Then (a mid-career masterpiece), all played. So did Rick Alverson’s Entertainment, the final film of Andrzej Żuławski, and the directorial debut of Josh Mond, at the time best known for producing Martha Marcy May Marlene for Borderline, a company he established with Sean Durkin and Antonio Campos in 2003. Mond’s debut James White featured Cristopher Abbott’s first lead role and (one year before dazzling in A Quiet Passion for Terrence Davies) a Cynthia Nixon performance that made you sit up and take note. It won a prize in Locarno and another at Sundance.

Kevin Von Erich's true story is chronicled in The Iron Claw, a biopic considered one of the best films of 2023. Kevin Von Erich chose not to pursue a career in WWF, focusing mostly on his father's promotion instead. Despite his retirement in 1995, Kevin Von Erich has made wrestling appearances and remained connected to the sport.

Kevin Von Erich is one of the main characters in The Iron Claw and is the last living Von Erich brother. Kevin Von Erich's true story and rise to become a professional wrestler is chronicled in Sean Durkin's 2023 biopic, which is widely considered one of the best films of the year. The Iron Claw was released on December 22, 2023 and is currently streaming exclusively on Max. The Iron Claw instantly became one of the best wrestling films ever made, joining the esteemed ranks of The Wrestler (2008) starring Mickey Rourke and Foxcatcher (2015) starring Channing Tatum,...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Iron Claw.

President Carter led the 1980 Olympic boycott, affecting Kerry Von Erich's wrestling career and leading to a tragic outcome in The Iron Claw. The film touches on the global impact of the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics and how it shaped the Von Erich family's story. Despite receiving no Oscar nominations, The Iron Claw is praised as one of the best wrestling films of all time, capturing the rise and fall of the legendary Von Erich brothers.

The United States and several other countries boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics as depicted in The Iron Claw. While there are some details left out in The Iron Claw regarding the true story of the Von Erich family, the film does a great job overall of capturing the rise and fall of the legendary wrestling brothers. Some viewers and critics have even called writer...

The Iron Claw is a biographical sports drama about the Von Erich family, including their rivalries in professional wrestling, particularly with Ric Flair. The film portrays the story of the Von Erichs, although some details and people were omitted from the script. Ric Flair's role in the film is significant as he was involved in a memorable match against Kerry Von Erich, who wrestled in place of his late brother, David, in 1984.

The Iron Claw revolves around the Von Erich family and their influential role in the professional wrestling world, including a couple of monumental fights against Ric Flair. Ric is a professional wrestler (in real life and on the screen) who often faced the Von Erichs in the ring for important matches. The 2023 biographical sports drama film is based on the true story of the Von Erich family, including the patriarch, Fritz, who started the wrestling dynasty and relentlessly...

Kevin Von Erich's barefoot wrestling in The Iron Claw is an accurate representation of his real-life trademark style. The decision to go barefoot was influenced by knee surgeries and the desire to feel lighter in the ring. The legacy of barefoot wrestling continues with Kevin's son Marshall Von Erich following in his father's footsteps.

Kevin Von Erich wrestles barefoot in The Iron Claw for a very specific reason. Since releasing in theaters on December 22, 2023, The Iron Claw has cemented itself as one of the best films of the year, and one of, if not the, greatest wrestling movie of all time. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw is as much about family tragedy as it is about wrestling told through the eyes of the real-life Von Erich brothers, played by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons.

Kevin Von Erich (Efron) is the...

The Iron Claw chronicles the rise to fame of the Von Erich brothers, a family of pro wrestlers from Texas whose lineage was riddled with tragedy. The Iron Claw soundtrack features a handful of '70s rock classics and a few country numbers. Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry, who composed the film's score, also wrote an original song for The Iron Claw with his wife called "Live That Way Forever," which is performed by one of the characters in the film.

Although the events of the film are devastating, The Iron Claw's soundtrack is full of upbeat era and setting-specific songs. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers from Texas, whose lineage was said to be "cursed" due to the many tragedies their family endured before, during, and after their rise to fame as pro wrestlers in the '80s.

Rock fans are in luck: This week’s digital releases involve Sonic Youth, Indigo Girls, and The Beatles. Get ready for a toe-tapping triple feature.

The contender to watch this week: “Uncropped”

A perfect companion piece to “The Freaks Came Out to Write,” Tricia Romano‘s new book about the history of The Village Voice, “Uncropped” profiles one of the iconoclastic newspaper’s signature photographers. James Hamilton captured the streets of New York, musicians like Patti Smith and the Beastie Boys, wartime conflicts in China and the Philippines, and production stills for the likes of Francis Ford Coppola and Wes Anderson. His juicy career is detailed in this unconventional documentary directed by D.W. Young (“The Booksellers”), who stages a handful of intimate conversations between Hamilton and his collaborators, including Anderson and Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore. Following a limited theatrical release in April, “Uncropped” is available on VOD.

Other contenders:...

Jack Jr.'s death in 1959 marked the first tragic event in the Von Erich family. The young boy's death plays a significant role in The Iron Claw. The Iron Claw maintains the reality of the Von Erich family's hardships and deaths despite some creative liberties.

The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich family a family of wrestlers who endured numerous hardships over decades as many tried to prove themselves in the wrestling world, starting with the misfortunate incident involving Fritz Von Erich and Doris Adkisson's first son, Jack Jr. The 2023 biographical sports drama, directed and written by Sean Durkin, takes some creative liberties when depicting the family's story on the big screen. Consequently, not everything that transpires in the movie actually happened in real life, or The Iron Claw changes the details of the true story, resulting in a few inaccuracies.

The Iron Claw is available to stream on Max.

Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.

La Chimera (Alice Rohrwacher)

While Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny perhaps garnered more press out of Cannes, another selection involving archaeologists and tomb raiders will have a longer shelf life. Alice Rohrwacher’s latest feature La Chimera ranked quite highly on our top 50 films of 2023 list for good reason. It’s a dreamy, magical odyssey in which the Italian director whisks viewers away with the kind of transportive vision she’s exuded in all her features thus far.

Where to Stream: VOD

Eileen (William Oldroyd)

Considering how many jokesters online talk about supporting women’s wrongs, Eileen should have made a billion dollars. Alas, not everyone can have impeccable taste. William Oldroyd’s character study grabs you from the first scene,...

The Bear season 3 will return to our screens on the 27th June with all episodes dropping at once. More on the third season below.

The Bear, Christopher Storer’s popular kitchen drama, has had us shouting “Yes, chef! and “Behind!” since its first season debuted in 2022. Starring Jeremy Allen White, the series follows his fine dining chef Carmy who returns to Chicago to run his late brother’s sandwich shop which has now been transformed into the titular restaurant.

We now have confirmation that the highly anticipated season 3 will debut on Disney+ in the UK and on Hulu in the US on the 27th June. All 10 episodes will drop at once, for your binge watching pleasure.

We also got a tiny little sneak peek at the new season, which sees Carmy returning to the kitchen. The third season will deal with the fallout of the somewhat, shall we say, eventful opening of The Bear.

Warning: This post contains spoilers for The Iron Claw. There are also mentions of suicide and addiction throughout

The Iron Claw highlights the importance of Kevin's relationship with his brothers and the love and support they showed each other despite the tragedies they faced. The film raises issues of parental pressure and its impact on children, as Fritz prioritized reputation over his family. The ending of The Iron Claw emphasizes themes of love and grief, showcasing the care and devotion the Von Erich brothers had for each other amidst the challenges they endured.

The Iron Claw is relentlessly sad, but its ending provides a modicum of hope. Based on the true story of the Von Erich family, The Iron Claw stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Holt McCallany, who portray the various members of the legendary wrestling family. Written and directed by Sean Durkin, the biopic, which received a positive critical reception,...

The Iron Claw tells the tragic story of the Von Erich family's rise in wrestling, with a star-studded cast driving excitement. A24's exclusive theatrical release in December 2023 left audiences calling it one of the best movies of the year. Now available on streaming platforms, The Iron Claw can be rented or bought to witness the emotional core of this sports drama.

The Iron Claw brings a tragic true story to life in a biopic, and there are different ways to watch the movie using showtimes and its streaming release. The movie from director Sean Durkin chronicles the rise of the Von Erich family in the world of wrestling. The Iron Claw's cast is headlined by Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, but he is joined by Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons, who all play Kevin's brothers, and Holt McCallany as their father, Fritz. The incredible...

This article contains mentions of suicide.

The Iron Claw removes a Von Erich brother from the movie. The film alters the timeline of events, changing the year of Kerry's motorcycle accident and speeding up certain significant moments for dramatic effect. The movie downplays certain relationships and events, such as Kerry's marriage and divorce, as well as the timing of Doris and Fritz's separation.

The Von Erich family is at the center of The Iron Claw, and while the movie does its best to honor the prestigious wrestling dynasty, the film had to make some changes to its tale for the sake of drama and storytelling. The 2023 biographical sports drama, directed and written by Sean Durkin, tells the story of the Von Erichs a notorious family of professional wrestlers whose careers span from Fritz Von Erich's debut in the 1950s to today. But the movie only covers a few decades in between,...

Focus on Kevin Von Erich and his brothers, not their parents, Fritz and Doris, in "The Iron Claw." Emotional ending emphasizes the impact of brothers' passings on Von Erich parents. Fritz and Doris Von Erich's divorce in 1992 starkly contrasts with Kevin Von Erich's story ending.

Warning: Contains Spoilers for The Iron Claw!

The Iron Claw puts Kevin Von Erich and his brothers at the center and does not reveal what happened to their parents, Fritz and Doris Von Erich, after the movie. Sean Durkin's 2023 movie starring Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich explores a tumultuous time in the wrestler's life from 1979 to 1993. This setup means giving Kevin's brothers major roles to play from the start of the movie all the way through The Iron Claw's ending. While they are key parts of the film's emotional conclusion as a result of their various passings, the Von Erich parents are...

Exclusive: Elizabeth Olsen has signed with CAA for representation. Known best for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch in films such as Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness. She also earned an Emmy nomination for the role in the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Olsen is next set to executive produce and star alongside Callum Turner and Miles Teller in the upcoming A24 film Eternity. She will also star alongside Charles Melton in Todd Solondz’s upcoming film Love Child and The Assessment, the debut feature from French filmmaker Fleur Fortuné, alongside Alicia Vikander.

Olsen made her debut in Sean Durkin’s Martha Marcy May Marlene, which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. She received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Critics Choice Movie Award and an Independent Spirit Award. She...

Sean Baker is officially returning to Cannes with his new rom-com “Anora.”

While the plot details remain under wraps, the feature is billed as an adventure rom-com, with the first look image showing a neon-lit club scene. Baker writes and directs the feature, which will debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

The cast includes Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karen Karagulian, and Vache Tovmasyan. Drew Daniels served as director of photography and shot the feature on 35mm film. The feature was filmed in Brooklyn and will be released by Neon later this year.

“Making an independent film is never easy no matter how many you have under your belt!” Baker said in a 2023 press statement (via Variety). “I feel so fortunate to have been given the resources and support to fulfill my vision in an uncompromised way. Thank you to my collaborators including Glen Basner and the FilmNation team,...

"The Iron Claw" biographical sports feature, based on the life of professional wrestler 'Kevin Von Erich' and the 'Von Erich' family, written and directed by Sean Durkin, stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany and Lily James, streaming May 10, 2024 on Max:

"...the film is centered around the 'Von Erich' family, a dynasty of wrestlers from the 1960's onwards that had enormous success, and popularized the 'iron claw' professional wrestling hold. 

"However, they not only had to battle inside the ring, but fight the 'Von Erich curse' outside of it..."

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A24’s The Iron Claw, written and directed by Sean Durkin, will make its streaming debut on Max on Friday, May 10. The film will be available on HBO and will make its linear debut on Saturday, May 18(8 p.m. Et). The film stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney, with Holt McCallany and Lily James.

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Written and directed by Sean Durkin; produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Angus Lamont, Sean Durkin, and Derrin Schlesinger.

The post Experience the intense drama of A24’s The Iron Claw, streaming exclusively on Max starting May 10th appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.