Review: The Iron Claw

Based on actual events, A24’s The Iron Claw looks at the tragic lives of a very real wrestling family, The Von Erichs. Four brothers pick up their father’s (Holt McCallany) wrestling mantle but are followed by what’s believed to be the family “curse” as they try to achieve fame and glory. The eldest brother, Kevin (Zac Efron), tries to keep the family together as he starts his path but is faced with tragic events that eventually take a toll on the family.

At first glance, this seems to be a story about wrestling, but it becomes more of a horror. If you are unfamiliar with the lives of the Von Erichs, you’re in for a whirlwind. As the film begins, you are automatically aware of the standards their father holds them to and the consequences if those standards aren’t met. Efron is the heart of the film. From the beginning, you can feel the love he has for all of his brothers, David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and Mike (Stanley Simons). As he meets his wife Pam (Lily James), he even reveals his dream: to have a big family where all his brothers are involved. Through time, you can see the toll wrestling takes on the family, slowly knocking each brother down one by one until Kevin is the only one left standing.

The Iron Claw is a well-told and surprisingly emotional story. The pacing drags within the first act, but once the story set-up is complete, it becomes a whirlwind. The art direction throws you into the period and almost makes it seem like you’re watching a home video from the 70’s. Each actor did a phenomenal job in their role, but Efron is a standout who carried the film from beginning to end. While it sits on the edge of being a film about toxic masculinity, The Iron Claw is more of an unbelievable family drama that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.