Here’s a bold statement: The Smashing Machine might just be one of the most underrated films of the year—and it’s all thanks to Dwayne Johnson’s jaw-dropping performance. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite glowing reviews and a superstar director’s stamp of approval, the film is struggling at the box office. Why? Let’s dive in.
Christopher Nolan, the visionary behind Oppenheimer, recently heaped praise on Johnson’s work in The Smashing Machine, calling it “incredible” during an episode of The Director’s Cut podcast. “I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years,” Nolan told director Benny Safdie. He even went on to predict that the film, which currently sits at a modest $14 million worldwide after two weeks in theaters, will gain greater appreciation over time. “It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work,” Nolan added. And this is the part most people miss: Nolan believes the film’s impact will grow as audiences catch up to its gritty, unflinching storytelling.
The conversation between Nolan and Safdie also revealed a fun behind-the-scenes tidbit: Safdie was developing The Smashing Machine while acting in Oppenheimer. Nolan jokingly accused Safdie of recruiting cast members for his own film during breaks on set. “I wasn’t aware of that at the time, but it seems to have worked out great for you,” Nolan quipped.
The Smashing Machine tells the powerful story of Mark Kerr, a UFC champion whose rise in the early days of MMA is overshadowed by his battles with painkiller addiction and a tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples (played by Emily Blunt). It’s a raw, emotional journey that demands attention—yet, it hasn’t quite connected with mainstream audiences. Here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Is the film’s underperformance a reflection of its niche subject matter, or are audiences simply missing out on something extraordinary?
Dwayne Johnson addressed the film’s box office struggles on social media last week, expressing gratitude to those who’ve seen it. “In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results—but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere,” he wrote. “It was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie. Truth is, this film has changed my life.”
Critics like our own Chris Bumbray have championed the film, praising Johnson’s reinvention and Safdie’s bold direction. “The Smashing Machine is a testament to what happens when an actor fully commits to a role,” Bumbray noted. “Johnson’s fans will be stunned by his transformation, and critics will respect the film’s unflinching honesty.”
Now, here’s where we want to hear from you: Do you think The Smashing Machine deserves more recognition, or is its box office performance a fair reflection of its appeal? Let us know in the comments—and if you’ve seen the film, share your thoughts! This is one conversation that’s just getting started.
