The Smashing Machine

Mark Kerr (1968) excelled as a wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter (MMA), winning every major prize imaginable in these combat sports disciplines. It was no coincidence that his nickname was “the Smashing Machine”, the man who made short work of everything and everyone – the Ultimate Fighting Champion. Director Bennie Safdie, who also wrote the screenplay, made this biopic starring a barely recognisable Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt as his girlfriend Dawn Staples. Dutch MMA fighter Bas Rutten also makes an appearance.

He is now a legend, MMA fighter Mark Kerr. But while he is unbeatable in the ring, he can hardly cope with his problems outside it. He struggles with inner demons and his addiction to painkillers, a battle he is in danger of losing. And all of this is taking its toll on his relationship with his girlfriend Dawn. She is already struggling to find her place in the chaotic world of MMA.