The Smashing Machine
First screened in October 2025

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Director: Benny Safdie. Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk, Satoshi Ishii. Screenplay: Benny Safdie.

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Photo © 2025 A24 / Magnetic Fields Entertainment

In Brief: Not exceptional at unpacking the protagonist or his sport. Best when unsettling recovery and comeback tropes.

VOR: ②  Has its moments, but mostly feels like Johnson's buddies and admirers Truman Showing him with a movie he'd love to star in. Does it need us?

Grade: C+

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Academy Award Nominations:
	Best Makeup & Hairstyling: Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, Bjoern Rehbein
Golden Globe Nominations:
	Best Actor (Drama): Dwayne Johnson
	Best Supporting Actress: Emily Blunt
Other Awards:
	Venice Film Festival: Best Director

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