Zac Efron is a very charismatic celebrity. And I’ve enjoyed his work in movies like “Neighbors,” “The Greatest Showman” and “17 Again.” But I’d never have labeled him an actor capable of an Oscar-caliber performance. I just didn't believe he had that sort of role in him. That was until I saw “The Iron Claw.”
This 2023 biographical drama movie tells the story of the Von Erich family of wrestlers and the supposed “Von Erich curse” that follows them, resulting in heart-wrenching tragedy. This criminally underseen movie has just arrived on Prime Video, and it’s a must-watch. Even for a non-wrestling watcher like myself, it was a biopic that had me completely under its spell.
Efron’s performance is captivating, and I’m still frustrated he didn’t at least get an Oscar nomination. His performance as Kevin Von Erich deserved one. If you’re looking for a drama that will deeply impact you and probably have you shedding quite a few tears by the end, then “The Iron Claw” is essential viewing. Just be prepared for a devastating watch.
What is ‘The Iron Claw’ about?
Based on the real-life story of the Von Erichs, “The Iron Claw” is set in the world of professional wrestling. Opening in the late 1970s, the stern patriarch of the family, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), operates the World Class Championship Wrestling federation, and is determined for his sons to participate and become icons of the growing entertainment industry.
Kevin (Efron) and David (Harris Dickinson) are both eager to fulfill their father’s dream, while Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and Mike (Stanley Simons) have their own goals that don’t involve wrestling. With the focus on Kevin, who believes the family is cursed, “The Iron Claw” chronicles the Von Erichs clan as they experience both triumphs and near-unimaginable tragedy.
Should you stream ‘The Iron Claw’ on Prime Video?
I’ll cut right to the chase here: You should absolutely stream “The Iron Claw” on Prime Video as soon as possible. It’s a deeply moving biographical drama that centers on a family that suffers great pain. But there are flashes of hope, especially when it focuses on the brotherly bond of its central characters.
If you’re totally unaware of the Von Erich family, I consider that actually a very good thing. Before I saw the movie in cinemas back in 2023, I knew next to nothing about the wrestling legends, and that only served to enrich my experience and made the dramatic beats hit me like a ton of bricks. So, just to reiterate, this sports biopic goes to some dark places.
Through it all, Zac Efron shines as the second-oldest son, Kevin. He desperately wants the approval of his father, while also wanting to support his brothers when they face testing times. He’s a compelling character to centre the movie around, and while Efron is superb throughout, he brings the house down with a stunning final scene. I virtually never shed a tear in movies, but “The Iron Claw” had my vision getting just a little bit misty.
Beyond Efron, "The Iron Claw" is also a great ensemble piece. Jeremy Allen White is excellent as Kerry, whose dreams of being an Olympian are cruelly dashed by the 1980 boycott. While Stanley Simons' Mike is the youngest brother, he struggles to get his father to take his musical ambitions seriously. Meanwhile, McCallany's Fritz is the closest thing the movie has to a villain. A father who wants to toughen up his sons, but actually sows their downfall.
What makes “The Iron Claw” effective is that it manages to frequently jump between highs and lows in a way that mirrors reality. It’s not gloom all the way through; the Von Erichs do experience moments of great victory across the two-hour runtime, but just as you think things are going to be okay and the “curse” has been lifted, stormy clouds build, and the next knockout blow arrives, sending the brothers spinning back to the canvas mat.
Director Sean Durkin and cinematographer Mátyás Erdély give “The Iron Claw” a hazey aesthetic, which feels very appropriate for the era, and makes parts of the movie feel almost like a dream, or perhaps a waking nightmare. There’s even an actual dream sequence, which is among the movie’s most powerful moments, and is the embodiment of a bittersweet sequence.
There’s a reason that viewers rate “The Iron Claw” a strong 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Because even during its toughest moments, it’s the type of drama that holds your attention completely. You might find it takes a heavy toll on your emotions, but you never want to look away. If you missed it in theatres, then don’t make that mistake again now that it’s on Prime Video.
Watch "The Iron Claw" on Prime Video now
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