The Iron Claw

I only knew it was sad and about a real life wrestling family. If you have never cried in a theater, first of all, you're missing out. Secondly, allow me to introduce you to the film that will make you sob into your popcorn. To preface, they didn’t include one of the brothers because his suicide would have made the film too sad. The Iron Claw is A24’s depiction of the Von Erich family. The Von Erichs are a legendary family with a rich history in the world of professional wrestling. The family patriarch, Fritz Von Erich, was a wrestler and promoter. His sons, including David, Kevin, Kerry, Mike, and Chris, gained fame as successful professional wrestlers, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Tragically, several members of the Von Erich family faced untimely deaths, contributing to the family's enduring legacy and the wrestling world's recognition of their contributions. The Von Erich name remains synonymous with Texas wrestling and has left a lasting impact on the industry. Despite being filled with themes of death and loss, The Iron Claw adopts an oddly mechanical stance, prodding rather than delving deep. While many wrestling enthusiasts are familiar with the intricacies of this familial saga, others (like myself) may find themselves startled by the sheer accumulation of misfortune, challenging the boundaries of what one family can withstand. I only knew it was a sad movie, but never could I have fathomed a plot and performances—  a truth such as this one. I will leave it at that to not spoil the story.

Ratings:

Acting: 9.8/10

Filming/Lighting: 9.9/10

Editing: 9.9/10

Overall Movie: 9.8/10

It’s a lot to process. I am a different person everyday and in every theater, but I think that I would and will always consider the film perfect if not damn near close.