A24’s The Iron Claw tells the story of the prestigious Von Erich professional wrestling family, who were one of the biggest attractions in Texas during the late 1970’s and early 1990’s, when they were a major attraction on the wrestling circuit. More specifically, their rise to fame within the World Class Championship Wrestling territory.
What The Iron Claw does well is pull back the curtain to showcase the family drama and the known stories about the Von Erichs. Prepare yourself for the long-lasting feeling of sadness and guilt that will follow you for the rest of the time if you went into this film thinking it was just another drama like others.
Zac Efron, portraying Kevin Von Erich, and Jeremy Allen White, cast as Kerry Von Erich, along with Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich and Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, successfully captured their respective roles. Initially, I had reservations about the casting, particularly concerning Jeremy Allen White’s physical appearance compared to the real-life Kerry Von Erich, who was a formidable figure. However, despite initial concerns about the actors’ appearances, White delivered a convincing performance and skillfully portrayed Kerry’s darker side. Zac Efron’s portrayal of Kevin Kon Erich in The Iron Claw was outstanding, making him a central character alongside their father, Fritz Von Erich, played by Holt McCallany.
Turning our attention to Fritz, Holt McCallany’s depiction of him was particularly noteworthy. McCallany not only captured the essence of Fritz through his on-screen presence, mannerisms, and acting delivery, but he also brought to life the complex character of a man more focused on personal gain and the success of WCCW than on being a nurturing father to his sons.
Fritz, both in real life and on-screen, was driven by an intense desire to showcase his sons and propel them into the limelight. His obsession with pushing them beyond their limits was not merely rooted in paternal care but also in a strategic move against the National Wrestling Alliance. McCallany’s performance skillfully mirrored the real-life Fritz, creating an uncanny resemblance that added depth and authenticity to the portrayal. It was a portrayal that went beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of Fritz’s motivations and the dynamics within the wrestling world.
The production quality of The Iron Claw is exceptional. Back in the mid-1990s, I used to watch WCCW, thanks to my father’s tape trading. WCCW wasn’t available in every market during its original run unless you had premium cable. My father, a fan at the time, contributed to this by tape trading. Additionally, I witnessed WCCW after WWE acquired its tape library in 2004.
A24 has truly captured the essence and visual appeal of the former wrestling territory. What impressed me even more was their inclusion of family members discussing WCCW’s production, along with a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a talking promo segment effective or not. They also delved into the overall business perspective of that era. When compared to other wrestling territories in the 1980s, WCCW’s production surpassed them all that were not WWF or WCW.
During the scene where Jeremy and Zac portrayed the moment when Kerry called Kevin before his suicide, their performance was exceptional. They skillfully conveyed the emotions and nuances of the conversation, bringing authenticity to the characters.
Moreover, the portrayal of Kerry’s struggle was palpable, especially after losing his foot in a motorcycle accident. Despite the pain and anguish, he made every effort to conceal his condition while continuing to wrestle and working tirelessly to regain his in-ring form. The actors effectively depicted the complexity of Kerry’s emotions and the challenges he faced, providing a compelling and realistic portrayal of his character’s journey.
Another notable aspect is the depiction of the Mike Von Erich situation. Among the brothers, he had the least experience in wrestling and only pursued it to satisfy Fritz. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in the ring, and during his surgery, he was diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, ultimately leading to his untimely death shortly thereafter. The scene featuring the press conference with Mike was particularly well-executed, closely resembling the real-life event.
Initially, you might find it strange that there was no mention of Chris Von Erich in the film, but after watching and learning that Kerry Von Erich committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wounds, I think it makes sense to not include Chris Von Erich since he also died in the same way.
In conclusion, A24’s The Iron Claw stands as a poignant and masterfully crafted depiction of the legendary Von Erich professional wrestling family and their rise to fame within the World Class Championship Wrestling territory. The film skillfully unveils the family drama and well-known stories about the Von Erichs, leaving a lasting impression of sorrow and reflection.
The stellar cast, led by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons, delivered outstanding performances that breathed life into their characters, capturing the complexity and depth of the Von Erich brothers’ struggles.
The movie will also appeal to non-wrestling fans since the wrestling aspect only provides a context for how and why the Von Erich family is famous. The dichotomy of their journey leaves an indelible mark, inviting audiences to reflect on the highs and lows of an extraordinary family destined for both triumph and heartbreak.