Film Journal 2023: The Iron Claw
Directed by Sean Durkin
Strong storytelling and a perfectly captured 70s vibe anchors this surprisingly emotional and deeply affective drama about a family of wrestlers. I went in cold, and the sheer weight of the story’s details really did a number on me. Likely because it was our (my wife and I’s) choice of film for our annual Christmas morning outing. Probably could have gone with something a bit more fitting, but in terms of the films presence and power, it definitely has some staying power.
I’m not a wrestling fan. You don’t need to be to enjoy this film. In fact, I walked out of it knowing a good deal more about the craft than I did going in, and that’s a testament to the films commitment to depicting the wrestling in its raw and honest form. The film has an undeniable energy, but there is no unnecessary polish to the scenes in the ring, letting it all play out as a sincere human drama.
It is at its heart a family drama, and one that revolves around this set of brothers, all existing underneath the hard hand of their father. As things unfold, the bonds deepen and the stakes rise, setting The Iron Claw up to explore precisely what it means for blood to run thicker than water. It helps that the script is airtight and the performances complimentary and invested. It accentuates the films authenticity and invites the viewer in to both feel and react, echoing the quintessential film experience.
The Stories of my Life 