Why Dwayne Johnson's Latest Film Flopped – But You Might Still Want to Watch It Anyway
Imagine a heavyweight champion grappling not just with opponents in the ring, but with the raw edges of personal chaos and addiction. That's the gripping drama at the heart of The Smashing Machine, a film that's stirring up conversations about resilience, toxic relationships, and the high-stakes world of extreme sports. But here's where it gets controversial: despite starring one of Hollywood's biggest draws, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, this movie bombed at the box office – and some fans are questioning if that's a sign of deeper issues in how we value 'serious' cinema over blockbuster heroics. Stick around, because we're diving into the story behind the film, its mixed reception, and how you can stream or own it right now.
It was a significant moment in the film industry when brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, the visionary duo known for raw, intense movies like Heaven Knows What, Good Time, and the adrenaline-fueled heist thriller Uncut Gems, chose to go their separate ways on new projects. Josh partnered with rising star Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, a quirky exploration of fame and identity. Meanwhile, Benny teamed up with the legendary Dwayne Johnson for The Smashing Machine. This film draws inspiration from the 2002 documentary of the same title, transforming it into a fictionalized account of the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, a fierce competitor in both extreme wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA). As beginners might wonder, MMA combines various fighting styles, creating high-intensity battles that push athletes to their physical and mental limits – think of it as the ultimate test of endurance.
The Smashing Machine doesn't just showcase Kerr's professional struggles; it offers an intimate look at his personal battles, including a fraught romance with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, portrayed by the talented Emily Blunt. This adds layers to the story, making it a nuanced character study that reveals the darker sides of ambition and dependency. For those new to character-driven dramas, it's like peeling back the layers of a fighter's psyche, showing how victories in the cage don't always translate to triumphs in life. And this is the part most people miss: the film subtly critiques the toxic dynamics in relationships, inviting viewers to reflect on how love and obsession can intertwine destructively.
Now, with all the buzz around Dwayne Johnson's comeback, you might expect The Smashing Machine to be a box-office smash. But here's the twist – it wasn't. The movie underperformed significantly, earning just $6 million on a $50 million budget during its opening weekend, marking the worst start for any Johnson-led film to date (as reported by SlashFilm). Critics, however, have been more generous. /Film's Bill Bria hailed it as an MMA drama with a rebellious edge, and it even snagged the Silver Lion at the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival. This divide sparks debate: Is the film's failure a case of audiences craving more action from 'The Rock,' or does it highlight how serious, introspective stories often get overshadowed by popcorn flicks? What do you think – should star power guarantee success, or is there value in films that challenge us?
If you missed it in theaters, fear not – The Smashing Machine is now accessible from home. Starting November 4, 2025, distributor A24 has made it available on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms like Prime Video, YouTube, and Fandango at Home. For those unfamiliar, PVOD means you can rent or buy digital movies to watch instantly on your devices, similar to how you'd stream a show but with more control over ownership. Renting costs $19.99, while buying a digital copy sets you back $24.99 (prices may vary slightly over time). If you're someone who loves collecting physical copies – think of it as having a tangible piece of cinematic history – you can pre-order the 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray editions directly from A24's website. Expect them to ship around January 2026, though no exact date has been confirmed yet.
A24 handles its own physical releases, which allows for custom packaging that enhances the overall experience – like exclusive artwork that ties into the film's gritty aesthetic. Bonus features are a highlight, but they're exclusive to the Blu-ray version, making it a must-have for die-hard fans. These include:
- A director's commentary track featuring Benny Safdie, where he breaks down his creative choices and shares insights into the film's making.
- A featurette titled What It Means to Be a Fighter, exploring the real-world inspirations behind the story, perfect for understanding the MMA world better.
- A 16mm camera test, offering a glimpse into the film's raw, documentary-style origins.
- Deleted scenes that reveal more about Kerr's journey.
- A set of six collectible postcards, ideal for memorabilia collectors.
Despite the financial letdown, Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson haven't let it dampen their enthusiasm. They're reuniting for Lizard Music, an upcoming Amazon MGM adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's whimsical sci-fi/fantasy novel for children. Safdie will handle directing and writing duties solo again, promising another blend of imagination and edge. This raises an intriguing question: Could Lizard Music redeem their partnership, or will fans forever debate the merits of The Smashing Machine?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe a movie's box-office flop means it's underrated, or is it just plain bad? Share your opinions in the comments – let's discuss the fine line between artistic depth and audience appeal!
