A gritty, emotionally charged biopic, The Smashing Machine chronicles the rise and fall of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr through the lens of his most triumphant and troubled moments. Dwayne Johnson transforms into Kerr, capturing both his ferocious power inside the octagon and his personal struggles with addiction and relationships. The film delves into Kerr’s tumultuous relationship with his wife Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt), as well as his friendships and rifts with fellow fighters and mentors. Shot on 16 mm film by cinematographer Maceo Bishop, its visual texture evokes the raw, visceral reality of the early UFC era. As much a character study as a sports drama, it explores themes of fame, recovery, and identity.