Zac Efron continues to prove that he is more than just a pretty face and a six-pack, giving a performance of a lifetime as professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich. The Iron Claw features a star-studded cast and a jam-packed soundtrack that will have you on the edge of your seat and crying your eyes out.
“What do you want in life Kevin Von Erich?”
Zac Efron. Image Credit: film-book.com
The film is based on the true story of the Von Erich family, a prolific wrestling family that dominated the American Wrestling scene in the 70s and 80s. We see almost all of the events from the perspective of Kevin Von Erich, played perfectly by Zac Efron, as he navigates what it means to be a brother, a lover, and a wrestler.
The story of the Von Erich family is not a happy one but it’s an incredibly poignant and real story that is more important than you may first think.
It cannot be stressed enough that you do not need to know the story or be a fan of wrestling before going into the film. I know absolutely nothing about wrestling and the film doesn’t expect you to. It’s less about the wrestling itself and more about the people behind the performances and the toll it takes on them mentally and physically.
When dealing with heavy topics like the ones featured in this film, it’s important to have capable actors and a good script. Luckily, this film features both. As previously mentioned, Zac Efron does a great job, but other standouts include Jeremy Alan White and Lily James, playing Kerry Von Erich and Pam respectively.
“I want to be with family, you know, be with my brothers.”
Harris Dickinson, Zac Efron, Stanley Simons, and Jeremy Allen White. Image Credit: badtaste.it
This film features a story of brotherly love and respect that feels incredibly refreshing to watch. However, this love isn’t perfect and even though it can be painful, it remains unconditional.
The cinematography does a great job of putting you in the shoes of the brothers. The focus on close-ups when it comes to highly emotional moments makes you feel the stress, anger, and sadness the brothers feel as the story goes on. The tension only heightens as the film hurtles towards its tragic finale.
One of the most powerful things about the film is how it deals with the idea of masculinity and what it means to be a man. Fritz Von Erich, the father, played by Holt McCallany, embodies the outdated ideals of masculinity, how they affect the men they are pushed on and everyone around them. Kevin’s story is inherently about breaking away from his father’s ideas and becoming his own man, finding what masculinity means for him. This story is very important as in recent years toxic masculinity has become very prevalent, having a film like this tackle that issue works well as an educational tool, but also as a great conversation piece.
The soundtrack features a couple of standouts including (Don’t Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult and Beggin’ by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. However, the film does feature an often sombre and understated score composed by Richard Reed Parry and Pietro Amato.
The score often benefits the more tender and hard-to-watch moments in the film. The film also features a single composed by Reed Parry in collaboration with Little Scream and The Barr Brothers, called Live That Way Forever. The song is a powerful indie pop anthem that feels like recollecting old memories. All the music comes together to tie in the core themes of the film as well as benefit the filmmaking itself.
“I was a brother once.”
Zac Efron. Image Credit newsway.com
The Iron Claw is an emotional rollercoaster and continues to cement that Zac Efron is not just Troy Bolton.
You won’t be able to look away, partly because of his incredibly chiseled abs, but also because of the tragic yet heartwarming story that unfolds in front of you. I haven’t seen a film in a long time that has left me with such conflicting emotions; I came out in tears but overwhelmingly happy that a biopic like this exists. I wish the best for the Adkisson family.
The Iron Claw is a must-see for everyone. Whether you know the story or not, it’s well worth a watch.
Featured Image Credit: za.ign.com