A24 tells the devastating and true story of the Von Erich wrestling family.
Warning: Beware of Spoilers
2023 was a big year for movies, laden with heated debates on the merits of Barbie vs. Oppenheimer, book lovers’ excitement over the first Hunger Games movie in almost a decade, and the fashion lover’s dream in Priscilla. With so many overwhelming choices for films, it was easier for some smaller films to fall through the cracks. However, A24’s film, The Iron Claw, was one of the year’s best films. Telling the story of a legendary wrestling dynasty, the Von Erich family, the movie stars Zac Efron in one of his most poignant roles yet.
Efron leads as Kevin, the oldest of the Von Erich brothers. At the film’s onset, Kevin and two of his brothers, David and Mike, are living with their parents in 1980s Texas. Years before the movie takes place, the oldest Von Erich son died at just six years old, prompting the family to believe in a curse that had supposedly plagued them for generations.
Kevin and David wrestle under the tutelage… [spoilers]
Kevin and David wrestle under the tutelage and controlling fist of their father, Fritz. Fritz is a wrestling legend, known for his characteristic “iron claw,” where he squeezes his opponent’s forehead. With Fritz’s coaching, Kevin and David rise through the ranks of wrestling, with their younger brother Mike preferring music and art over what he sees as his family’s violent profession.
However, their brother Kerry, who was planning on competing in the 1980 Olympics, returns home after the United States boycotts that year’s games. Kerry is drawn into wrestling along with his brothers, and for a time, their triple act does well. However, David is sent on a solo trip around the world, and in Tokyo, his chaotic and dangerous lifestyle results in his death at only 25 years old.
With his death, the Von Erich family enters a downward spiral. Kerry takes David’s place in the ring, and after winning a pivotal match, gets into a motorcycle accident and loses a leg. With all the injuries and losses, Mike steps into the ring, but after a dangerous blow, he lands in the hospital and experiences toxic shock. His family attempts to help him recover, but the emotional and mental strain results in Mike’s death as well. At this point, the Von Erichs are in complete disarray and grief. Kevin takes a step back from wrestling, and Kerry continues despite the loss of his foot, but eventually, his depression and illnesses lead to his death as well.
Watching this movie is a rollercoaster. The tragedy and disarray of the family prompts viewers to shy away; at times, I had to cover my eyes from the sheer amount of grief on the screen. However, I think this is an important movie to watch. Films can’t always be what we want them to be. Sometimes tough subject matters are crucial to contend with, and specifically, the story of the Von Erichs is an important part of American history.
In a way, the grief is what made the movie so important. While crying in the theater over the last few lines and the utter heartbreak contained within the story, there was a realization that life is fleeting and precious. Family should be cherished and challenged, unconditionally loved, as it can easily be ripped away.
While we were both swept up in the cinematography, storyline, and emotion of the film, it is clear that the Academy was not. The Iron Claw was nominated for a grand total of zero Oscars, snubbed in every category. In our opinion, the movie was cinematographically sound, with beautiful visuals and eloquent storytelling. Similarly, the acting was intense and powerful, leaving us floored post-viewing. Perhaps what is most sad about this snub, however, is Zac Efron’s missed chance for a nomination, his transformation and performance downplayed again by critics.
Overall, The Iron Claw was one of the best releases of 2023, a movie that we think everyone should see. Its sadness is its strength, a true story that teaches its audience to cherish those close to them and persevere through difficulty.
