Benny Safdie's directorial debut, "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, premiered at Venice Film Festival. Early reviews are mixed, but critics universally praise Johnson's performance as UFC fighter Mark Kerr. The film explores Kerr's personal struggles alongside his career, offering a raw and vulnerable portrayal of the fighter. While some critics find the narrative lacking momentum and underdevelops Emily Blunt's character, others laud its unique approach to sports drama, avoiding typical tropes. A24 will release the film in October.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.