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. A film by Sean Durkin, starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, and Lily James.

The film opens with a backstory, a glimpse into the past of Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) and his signature move, the “Iron Claw,” during a wrestling match. After the match, his wife Doris “Dottie” Von Erich (Maura Tierney) and their sons Kevin (Grady Wilson) and David (Valentine Newcomer) meet him. He shows proudly them their new rental Cadillac, now attached to their RV home. Dottie expresses concern about Fritz spending their money on seemingly unnecessary things. However, Fritz assures her that he will become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Years later, the Von Erich family lives in a large house on a farm in Dallas, Texas. Kevin (Zac Efron) is now a professional wrestler, holding the NWA Texas Championship. David (Harris Dickinson) is about to make his wrestling debut. Meanwhile, Kerry attends the University of Houston, training in discus throw for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. Despite this, Fritz attempts to push Mike (Stanley Simons) into wrestling training like his brothers, even though Mike dreams of becoming a musician. Sensing the pressure on Mike, Kevin discreetly asks Dottie to intervene with Fritz. However, Dottie refuses to get involved in the father-son dynamic.

Following David’s wrestling debut with Kevin in a tag-team match against Bruiser Brody (Cazzey Louis Cereghino) and Gino Hernandez (Ryan Nemeth), Kevin encounters Pam, a fan waiting for his autograph. She asks him out, and he readily accepts.

The next day, they meet at a local diner, where Kevin confides in Pam (Lily James) about “the curse of the Von Erichs.” He explains how it claimed the life of his oldest brother, Jack, when Kevin was only five years old. According to him, the curse began when Fritz changed their family’s last name from Adkisson to their grandmother’s maiden name, “Von Erich,” as her family carried a history of tragedy. Kevin and Pam start a relationship.

Kerry’s Olympic dream of competing in the 1980 Summer Games is crushed when the U.S. boycotts the event in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. President Jimmy Carter’s decision means American athletes, including Kerry, will not compete in Moscow. Manipulated by his father, Fritz, Kerry joins the wrestling team alongside his brothers Kevin and David.

Meanwhile, everything seems to be looking up for the Von Erich family. David is on track for the World Heavyweight Championship and is set to embark on a six-month wrestling tour, including Japan. While Kevin feels a pang of disappointment that he won’t be the one to bring home the championship belt his father has always desired, he finds solace in his marriage to Pam and the anticipation of their firstborn. However, tragedy strikes unexpectedly, shattering their happiness. David dies suddenly during his tour in Japan, leaving the family devastated.

A film written and directed by Canadian-American filmmaker Sean Durkin, based on the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich, the Von Erich family, and a series of tragedies that almost swept the entire family into oblivion.

In real life, Fritz Von Erich had six children: Jack Jr. (who accidentally drowned in 1959 at the age of 6), David (who died from enteritis in 1984 at the age of 25), Mike (who died by suicide in 1987 at the age of 23), Chris (the youngest brother who the filmmaker chose to omit, also died by suicide in 1991 at the age of 21), Kerry (who died by suicide in 1993 at the age of 33), and Kevin.

While the leading cast delivers strong performances, creating a genuine vibe and chemistry that makes their brotherly bond believable, particularly Harris Dickinson’s compelling and nuanced portrayal. The script, however, suffers from occasional pacing issues, which potentially make the already melancholic story feel excessively long despite its 125-minute runtime.

Additionally, character development and emotional engagement are sometimes lacking, as the film frequently jumps between events in the timeline to condense their entire career and tragedies within its limited runtime. The film is a cinematic feast exploring the Von Erich family and their tragedies. While it’s well-made, it’s not a movie I would personally choose to rewatch.

The IRON CLAW premiered at the Texas Theatre in Dallas on 8 November 2023. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 22 December, by A24.