410 reviews
A Shattering Surprise
To think I originally dismissed this movie completely and now, after finally having seeing it, it has become one of the best movies I've seen in some time. The surprises are constant, first I had never heard of of the Von Erich, I didn't know the director and I knew Zac Efron. All details that under normal circumstances would have kept me away but. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful movie, beautifully written and directed and then Zac Efron! A performance of such beauty and of such truth that made me want to see the movie again, immediately. I didn't, but I will. It moved me and shattered me because I believed him. He's not alone, Jeremy Allen White is also superb and the last minutes of the movie found me with tears running down my face. Terrific.
- marcelbenoitdeux
- May 21, 2024
- Permalink
"You never heard of the curse of the Von Erichs?"
- classicsoncall
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
Heartbreaking Cursed Family
The Von Erich's were always this odd story I heard when I was a kid. The wrestling family that kicked off what is now the professional wrestling dynasty. They were the superstars that also saddled with one of the darkest most bizarre curse. If you think about the tragedy of Chris Benoit, someone would always bring up the Von Erich's.
The story is centered around Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), mostly because the tale can only be told through his window. A Texas family whose father Fritz (Holt McCallany) desperately wanted to be at the top of the game. He molded his sons to follow in his footsteps. Cold and focused, he is the father of that era that most today would consider abusive. Back then, to get greatness, sacrifice must be endured. In this case, the early wild death of the eldest brother Jack (who is never really addressed completely) since he was a baby when he passed from an electrocution accident. From that point on, the family presses forward.
There is a dark cloud that hangs over the family, yet no one completely addresses it directly. The Von Erich curse seemed to be a real thing. And as a youngster, I always waited for the next Von Erich to die a weird death. Grim as it may seem.
The brothers wake up and eat, drink and breathe wrestling. But there is a hierarchy. Broken down by the Fritz. The brothers are meant to compete with each other for the approval of Dad.
There is also David (Harris Dickinson) and Kerry (Jeremy Allan White) but not mentioned...a brother Chris. I only knew Kerry, since he made it to the WWF.
This at-the-fringe federation of wrestlers were in the NWA, which I always considered the low-rent of wrestling, as if there were such a thing.
Kevin marries Pam (Lily James) who is really the most normal of the gang. The mother. Doris (Maura Tierney) seems to be just trying to placate Fritz but also focus on God.
I truly miss this type of filmmaking. It is a story of family and tragedy and how they cope with it. Which sometimes I wish they showed more of that and less of the wrestling. This movie's emotional core stuck with me. Though, there are moments that drag, when you think about how awful events followed this family, you are left wondering how they were able to move forward.
The answer isn't very clear. These are the moments I wish focused more on Kevin's resilience. Instead, we see he truly believes the family curse. And that would be enough. Perhaps the emotionally absent mother answers the question of pain and loss. There is a great moment when all the death occurs, Mom doesn't know how to cope. Because of her faith, you read the thought bubble which is asking God "why am I being tested" a brilliant move by director Sean Durkin NOT to have her say this outloud.
One thing that may trouble some viewers is the Fritz's dialogue. At first, I considered it horrible acting. Then it occurred to me. He has been a showboat to audiences most his life. It isn't too far of a stretch that he knows no other way to communicate. He is a tough guy who relies on his sons to be equally as tough. Though he isn't that way at first, he downshifts into it with the success of the family.
There's so much to unpack here.
Mass kudos to Zac Efron. A brilliant piece of acting which should get him an Oscar nom (perhaps the Academy will never take him seriously...they should). In spite of his stoic mannerisms, Efron still exudes thought processes. In this case, tough guys aren't suppose to cry. But we cry for him.
Wonderful work. This is a must to see in theaters. A small screen will not show the subtle performances.
The story is centered around Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron), mostly because the tale can only be told through his window. A Texas family whose father Fritz (Holt McCallany) desperately wanted to be at the top of the game. He molded his sons to follow in his footsteps. Cold and focused, he is the father of that era that most today would consider abusive. Back then, to get greatness, sacrifice must be endured. In this case, the early wild death of the eldest brother Jack (who is never really addressed completely) since he was a baby when he passed from an electrocution accident. From that point on, the family presses forward.
There is a dark cloud that hangs over the family, yet no one completely addresses it directly. The Von Erich curse seemed to be a real thing. And as a youngster, I always waited for the next Von Erich to die a weird death. Grim as it may seem.
The brothers wake up and eat, drink and breathe wrestling. But there is a hierarchy. Broken down by the Fritz. The brothers are meant to compete with each other for the approval of Dad.
There is also David (Harris Dickinson) and Kerry (Jeremy Allan White) but not mentioned...a brother Chris. I only knew Kerry, since he made it to the WWF.
This at-the-fringe federation of wrestlers were in the NWA, which I always considered the low-rent of wrestling, as if there were such a thing.
Kevin marries Pam (Lily James) who is really the most normal of the gang. The mother. Doris (Maura Tierney) seems to be just trying to placate Fritz but also focus on God.
I truly miss this type of filmmaking. It is a story of family and tragedy and how they cope with it. Which sometimes I wish they showed more of that and less of the wrestling. This movie's emotional core stuck with me. Though, there are moments that drag, when you think about how awful events followed this family, you are left wondering how they were able to move forward.
The answer isn't very clear. These are the moments I wish focused more on Kevin's resilience. Instead, we see he truly believes the family curse. And that would be enough. Perhaps the emotionally absent mother answers the question of pain and loss. There is a great moment when all the death occurs, Mom doesn't know how to cope. Because of her faith, you read the thought bubble which is asking God "why am I being tested" a brilliant move by director Sean Durkin NOT to have her say this outloud.
One thing that may trouble some viewers is the Fritz's dialogue. At first, I considered it horrible acting. Then it occurred to me. He has been a showboat to audiences most his life. It isn't too far of a stretch that he knows no other way to communicate. He is a tough guy who relies on his sons to be equally as tough. Though he isn't that way at first, he downshifts into it with the success of the family.
There's so much to unpack here.
Mass kudos to Zac Efron. A brilliant piece of acting which should get him an Oscar nom (perhaps the Academy will never take him seriously...they should). In spite of his stoic mannerisms, Efron still exudes thought processes. In this case, tough guys aren't suppose to cry. But we cry for him.
Wonderful work. This is a must to see in theaters. A small screen will not show the subtle performances.
Solid 10
I cannot begin to describe how accurate Zac's portrayal of Kevin is. I knew the brothers in the early 80's. This is a heart wrenching account that delivers every high and low of their lives.
The performances are nuanced, with an unexpected depth. This is not a feel good movie. The ending is actually the beginning and that is beautiful. Lily James is stupendous and mesmerizing as Pam, and I simply cannot express my awe of Zac's performance. He deserves an Oscar.
Just know that this story is as close to a documentary as it can possibly be. It was beautiful seeing the actual footage from various match ups. Thank you for making this.
The performances are nuanced, with an unexpected depth. This is not a feel good movie. The ending is actually the beginning and that is beautiful. Lily James is stupendous and mesmerizing as Pam, and I simply cannot express my awe of Zac's performance. He deserves an Oscar.
Just know that this story is as close to a documentary as it can possibly be. It was beautiful seeing the actual footage from various match ups. Thank you for making this.
- austinbeyondcompare
- Dec 22, 2023
- Permalink
"We will be your brothers, dad."
- chand-suhas
- Feb 27, 2024
- Permalink
Deserved more attention
I've watched this movie several times now. It blows my mind that this did not get more attention when it was released! I never paid any mind to Zac Efron except for being a pretty face or in comedies but he truly showed his acting capabilities in this movie! His emotions as Kevin really broke my heart! He truly conveyed how it's like to lose a sibling in their 20s (like I have). He was phenomenal in showing how it affects life when it comes to a spouse, work, etc.
It angers me to this day that this movie was overlooked in terms of awards. This is a very well done movie and all the actors did an amazing job!
It angers me to this day that this movie was overlooked in terms of awards. This is a very well done movie and all the actors did an amazing job!
An emotionally haunting film
The Iron Claw is incredible yet devastating. It's an emotionally haunting film that is going to stick with me for a while. The film delves into the tragic story of the Von Erich family with the utmost reverence, and while I know next to nothing about wrestling, this movie destroyed me. It's a heavy watch that might be the most moving, profound, and honest depiction of family on film this year. Sean Durkin takes an unfathomably tragic story and tells it with needed grace. Zac Efron gives an absolutely touching and heartbreaking performance as Kevin Von Erich. He delivers his most physically and emotionally demanding performance to date, supported by a flawless cast ensemble as they, along with director Sean Durkin, commit to some of the best depictions of wrestling ever seen on film. The Iron Claw is gut-wrenching and beautiful all at the same time, telling a tragic story of brotherhood, love, pain, expectations, favouritism, and legacy. I found myself heartbroken by the tragedies portrayed on screen, yet incredibly moved by the brotherhood these characters shared. Hold your loved ones close!
To me, this was good, but not great.
- Jeremy_Urquhart
- Feb 12, 2024
- Permalink
Larger than life...
I knew that this was based on a true story and I'd watched one trailer before going into it. Aside from that, I went into this movie completely blind; I'm not a wrestling fan and I didn't research anything about the Von Erichs before seeing this.
This film is so tragic that I found myself astounded by the fact that it was based on a true story. It feels like something out of a Greek tragedy or Stephen King novel. Unfortunately, it's neither: this is the story of an obsessive and unfeeling man who forced his failed dreams onto each of his sons ... and the catastrophes it caused... Everyone who talks about "The Iron Claw" is going to rave about how great of a job Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White are in this (and don't get me wrong, they're PHENOMENAL), but I was especially blown away by Harris Dickinson's portrayal of David Von Erich; he carried every scene he was in with a larger-than-life, yet supportive persona.
"The Iron Claw" is more than good enough to earn a couple of Oscar nominations next year ... but based on the recently released shortlist and strong competition, I doubt it's going to make it.
Regardless, I still recommend this unbelievable and emotional movie. I hope I'll get the chance to see it again before it leave theaters...
This film is so tragic that I found myself astounded by the fact that it was based on a true story. It feels like something out of a Greek tragedy or Stephen King novel. Unfortunately, it's neither: this is the story of an obsessive and unfeeling man who forced his failed dreams onto each of his sons ... and the catastrophes it caused... Everyone who talks about "The Iron Claw" is going to rave about how great of a job Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White are in this (and don't get me wrong, they're PHENOMENAL), but I was especially blown away by Harris Dickinson's portrayal of David Von Erich; he carried every scene he was in with a larger-than-life, yet supportive persona.
"The Iron Claw" is more than good enough to earn a couple of Oscar nominations next year ... but based on the recently released shortlist and strong competition, I doubt it's going to make it.
Regardless, I still recommend this unbelievable and emotional movie. I hope I'll get the chance to see it again before it leave theaters...
Interesting but missing so much
- BandSAboutMovies
- Dec 28, 2023
- Permalink
Beautifully shot film and great acting.
The film's visual narrative is meticulously crafted, with every frame thoughtfully composed to not only tell a story but to also immerse viewers into its atmospheric depth. The cinematography is indeed a standout, utilizing innovative camera techniques and lighting to accentuate the mood, tone, and overall aesthetic of the film.
Moreover, the acting in "Iron Claw" is nothing short of remarkable. The cast delivers performances that are deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and complexity. Through their skillful portrayals, the actors navigate the intricate dynamics of their roles with finesse, making the audience invest in their journeys. The chemistry among the cast further amplifies the film's emotional impact, making the relationships and conflicts more compelling.
In combination, the film's well-executed cinematography and stellar acting not only enhance the storytelling but also create a rich, cinematic texture that is both engaging and thought-provoking. "Iron Claw" stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the art of performance, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking.
Moreover, the acting in "Iron Claw" is nothing short of remarkable. The cast delivers performances that are deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and complexity. Through their skillful portrayals, the actors navigate the intricate dynamics of their roles with finesse, making the audience invest in their journeys. The chemistry among the cast further amplifies the film's emotional impact, making the relationships and conflicts more compelling.
In combination, the film's well-executed cinematography and stellar acting not only enhance the storytelling but also create a rich, cinematic texture that is both engaging and thought-provoking. "Iron Claw" stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the art of performance, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the craft of filmmaking.
Amazing Acting Brought Down By Terrible Story Telling
- jwalenczyk
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
No connection
I just think there was not enough character development for anyone in this movie. The only one I really had an emotional response to was hating the father and hoping the oldest would finally choke him out in the end. I just can't get affected by any character that's only had like 10 minutes of screen time. There needed to be more to draw us into each character to get more emotionally involved. That probably means a longer movie but to me that's way better than like ok we have a second brother that's t not as strong but a better entertainer. Oh well, he does to internal damages. Ok, how bout a brother that's been on screen 5 minutes earlier but all of a sudden he loses control because of drugs, alcohol, and a motorcycle accident. Just need more from characters.
Good Movies Are Still Being Made
For 2023 it's nice to see a film in theater that is high caliber. The Iron Claw hits on many different levels and tells a story with conviction and care.
The acting was convincing and the size of Zac Efron is flat out impressive (regardless if supplements were involved). In terms of drama, Efron is subtle mostly, but really shines in the final scene of the movie.
The pace is just about perfect. There is no meandering or long drawn out sequences that make you want to check the time. There are a few jumps in years but you don't get confused how much time has passed, keeping the audience engaged and not figuring out timelines.
The movie is based on a true story and has a lot of tragic moments, but there is also hope which helps balance the tone. The Iron Claw is a good movie and I'm sure will be up for an Oscar or two. It's also nice to watch a movie in this day and age that doesn't have any political undertones that it's trying to convey to the audience, just pure storytelling.
The acting was convincing and the size of Zac Efron is flat out impressive (regardless if supplements were involved). In terms of drama, Efron is subtle mostly, but really shines in the final scene of the movie.
The pace is just about perfect. There is no meandering or long drawn out sequences that make you want to check the time. There are a few jumps in years but you don't get confused how much time has passed, keeping the audience engaged and not figuring out timelines.
The movie is based on a true story and has a lot of tragic moments, but there is also hope which helps balance the tone. The Iron Claw is a good movie and I'm sure will be up for an Oscar or two. It's also nice to watch a movie in this day and age that doesn't have any political undertones that it's trying to convey to the audience, just pure storytelling.
- Oh_Capital
- Dec 29, 2023
- Permalink
Whether you're a fan of Pro wrestling or not, you'll love this sad, but amazing film
Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of pro wrestling at all. I actually think it's kind of silly but this film is great regardless
As always A24 delivers another great film. The acting is amazing. The story and dialogue are great. Everything about this film is awesome. It is a bit sad though. But coming in, I knew it was gonna be sad because I knew a little bit about the Von Erics from my dad who loves pro wrestling.
Zac Efron does an amazing job as the lead in this film. The co stars that played his family do a great job as well. Zac Efron and pretty much every major character has an amazing arc and a lot of development. They also have very good chemistry on screen.
Story wise it is a very good story, but very sad at the same time. It does have the benefit of being based off of a truly amazing story of a family of athletes. The dialogue is very well written. The story goes very smoothly.
The production value was good. I've come to expect a good production value when it comes to A24 films. The cinematography isn't as crazy or unique as a normal A24 film but they still do a good job regardless.
Overall, it's worth the time and money you spend.
As always A24 delivers another great film. The acting is amazing. The story and dialogue are great. Everything about this film is awesome. It is a bit sad though. But coming in, I knew it was gonna be sad because I knew a little bit about the Von Erics from my dad who loves pro wrestling.
Zac Efron does an amazing job as the lead in this film. The co stars that played his family do a great job as well. Zac Efron and pretty much every major character has an amazing arc and a lot of development. They also have very good chemistry on screen.
Story wise it is a very good story, but very sad at the same time. It does have the benefit of being based off of a truly amazing story of a family of athletes. The dialogue is very well written. The story goes very smoothly.
The production value was good. I've come to expect a good production value when it comes to A24 films. The cinematography isn't as crazy or unique as a normal A24 film but they still do a good job regardless.
Overall, it's worth the time and money you spend.
- lopresti-46927
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
The feel bad movie of the year
Just brutal. Could you imagine your family's story being so depressing they had to tone it DOWN for an A24 movie? Just wow. RIP Chris Von Erich, hopefully your story will be told too someday.
There were a lot of pros to this movie. While Zac Efron and Jeremy White knocked it out of the park, it was a little difficult imagining them as 6'2 wrestlers. But hey I was willing to stretch my disbelief. The Tom Sawyer montage was kickass and I'd be lying if I didn't cry my eyes out at the end. Solid acting and definitely an interesting story.
Having said that, when you read the actual Von Erich story it's far more interesting than what the Iron Claw had to offer. It seemed like the studio wanted more of a basic three act drama than the insanely tragic lives the Von Erich's endured. So many lines in the script were so over the top I basically felt like I was being spoon fed by the director. Almost nothing was subtle that it some scenes felt reminiscent of Walk Hard. Some sections of the movie dragged and it seemed like the director just wanted to get from point A to B without really engaging the audience.
Overall a decent flick, well acted and certainly had some good scenes. If only there were a stronger script and better director maybe a less Hollywood Von Erich story could have been told.
There were a lot of pros to this movie. While Zac Efron and Jeremy White knocked it out of the park, it was a little difficult imagining them as 6'2 wrestlers. But hey I was willing to stretch my disbelief. The Tom Sawyer montage was kickass and I'd be lying if I didn't cry my eyes out at the end. Solid acting and definitely an interesting story.
Having said that, when you read the actual Von Erich story it's far more interesting than what the Iron Claw had to offer. It seemed like the studio wanted more of a basic three act drama than the insanely tragic lives the Von Erich's endured. So many lines in the script were so over the top I basically felt like I was being spoon fed by the director. Almost nothing was subtle that it some scenes felt reminiscent of Walk Hard. Some sections of the movie dragged and it seemed like the director just wanted to get from point A to B without really engaging the audience.
Overall a decent flick, well acted and certainly had some good scenes. If only there were a stronger script and better director maybe a less Hollywood Von Erich story could have been told.
- kevinheisinger
- Jan 10, 2024
- Permalink
One of the Best Films of 2023. Zac Efron, Best Actor in a Generational Performance. Equal Parts 20th Century American Success Story and Timeless American Tragedy
This is one of the greatest wrestling movies ever made. Certainly the greatest true wrestling story ever made.
This is one of the greatest sports movies ever made.
But you need to know nothing about wrestling nor of this famous wrestling family to absorb the absolute impact that this movie will have on you inside the theater.
This carries the same weight, pound for pound, as the fabulous Elvis movie did a year or so ago.
This movie also magnificently captures that wonderful and amazing era of life before the internet and social media.
Where real feats of strength, endurance and physical athleticism had to be either witnessed in person and seen with one's own eyes, or on some small screen somewhere.
Legends were made inside a ring in tiny arenas and gymnasiums on this country's soil. And their images were then plastered on paper in magazines that covered the racks at the local drug store or grocery store.
And it was every bit as influential as anything that one could possibly find on their phones today.
This is an unbelievable and incredible tale.
Everyone should know the Von Erichs.
They will after seeing this.
This is one of the greatest sports movies ever made.
But you need to know nothing about wrestling nor of this famous wrestling family to absorb the absolute impact that this movie will have on you inside the theater.
This carries the same weight, pound for pound, as the fabulous Elvis movie did a year or so ago.
This movie also magnificently captures that wonderful and amazing era of life before the internet and social media.
Where real feats of strength, endurance and physical athleticism had to be either witnessed in person and seen with one's own eyes, or on some small screen somewhere.
Legends were made inside a ring in tiny arenas and gymnasiums on this country's soil. And their images were then plastered on paper in magazines that covered the racks at the local drug store or grocery store.
And it was every bit as influential as anything that one could possibly find on their phones today.
This is an unbelievable and incredible tale.
Everyone should know the Von Erichs.
They will after seeing this.
- RightOnDaddio
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
Too Broad and distant to connect
I was so looking forward to having my heart tugged from this true story I previously knew nothing about. There is so much tragedy in this story, but sadly the script keeps the characters at arms length, that we never get to really know them enough to connect with them. Sure the story is naturally sad as is the nightly news, but like the news we don't get close enough to the subjects to truly feel their loss.
The acting is fine. It looks good, but it ultimately feels rather empty and too broad to leave any genuine impact. Maybe if I had known their story before and I had something to bring to the table I could have connected better. The father character was so broad and lacked any nuance. The mother we barely get to understand her motivations and while the sons are all likably performed, we never get to know what truly makes them tick.
Big letdown from A24.
The acting is fine. It looks good, but it ultimately feels rather empty and too broad to leave any genuine impact. Maybe if I had known their story before and I had something to bring to the table I could have connected better. The father character was so broad and lacked any nuance. The mother we barely get to understand her motivations and while the sons are all likably performed, we never get to know what truly makes them tick.
Big letdown from A24.
Bravo Zac!
Bravo Zac Efron! 10 stars for his performance in this amazing film! Zac has taken his career to the next level and I couldn't be happier for him! I gave the film 9 stars out of 10 because they omitted the sixth brother, Chris from the story. I understand why they did it, time constraints and all that. But it would have been nice to at least give him a mention. Otherwise this is amazing storytelling. It evokes a range of emotions and provokes thought and conversation. It's not really a film you can sit through more than once because it does take an emotional toll. But I do believe people will be talking about it for a long time to come.
- darthsteele-39338
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
A Disney version of the real story.
A very flowery version in comparison to the facts of what occurred. A lot was left out, that I feel could have been a great addition to adding true feeling to the real life story. Definitely some cheese factors that were not needed. I suggest all people who were a fan of this to go watch The Dark Side Of The Ring "The Curse Of The VonErichs" to learn more about how sad this story actually is. Praise to Zach and Jeremy for getting incredibly ripped. You look great. I'm sure it took a lot of work. For me this film unfortunately was a resounding "meh". I was too hyped up for the actual return I got.
- littlemixer-52871
- Feb 16, 2024
- Permalink
A gripping and memorable story
I went into this film not knowing anything about the Von Erich family. I thought this would be a typical sports movie centered around wrestling. Fortunately, this film was more than that. It touched on many topics like brotherhood, father son dynamics and grief. This film was way more tragic than anything I could have thought of and what makes it crazy is that it's all true.
The acting was very good in this film and all the relationships were believable except for how quickly Kevin and Pam got together.
All of the actors playing the brothers had great chemistry. The motives and decisions of all the characters were well executed. The wrestling scenes were well done even though this film was less about wrestling and more about the family.
While I enjoyed this film, I did feel that it could have been longer. Some of the events felt rushed and crammed together. More major wrestling events should have been added to show some of the wrestling politics. The wives in the film played very minimal roles in the film and it was hard to believe that they weren't more involved in real life.
With that said this was still a gripping and memorable film that deserves to be watched.
The acting was very good in this film and all the relationships were believable except for how quickly Kevin and Pam got together.
All of the actors playing the brothers had great chemistry. The motives and decisions of all the characters were well executed. The wrestling scenes were well done even though this film was less about wrestling and more about the family.
While I enjoyed this film, I did feel that it could have been longer. Some of the events felt rushed and crammed together. More major wrestling events should have been added to show some of the wrestling politics. The wives in the film played very minimal roles in the film and it was hard to believe that they weren't more involved in real life.
With that said this was still a gripping and memorable film that deserves to be watched.
- moviemanmo973
- Dec 22, 2023
- Permalink
Looking forward to a homerun, but all I got was a double...
A disappointing hint at what might have been
WOW just WOW!
Beautifully acted, directed, this movie was just heartbreaking yet beautiful! The entire cast was amazing, Efron, White, James, Dickenson and Mcallany are brilliant. The cinematography is beautiful, the wrestling scenes were very realistic and intense. The brotherhood portrayed by the guys seemed so genuine and heartfelt, you really believe they are true brothers. You really feel for them, and the through the pain and tragedy. This is definitely a must see, a story of an American family dynasty that truly needed to be told. It truly is one of the best pictures of the year! In the midst of the tragedy, there's also triumph!
- Triple-D75
- Dec 21, 2023
- Permalink
"I Used to be a Brother"
Most beautiful yet heartbreaking film I have seen in a while. This film is so effective and left me with such an empty feeling after watching it. The film presents such an interesting dynamic in the family, in which the brothers care for each other so much yet are driven apart from this hope for being the best in wrestling. All of the actor's performance in this is absolutely outstanding, and the cinematography is also so beautifully done. The movie gives you the ability to build this bond and emotional connection with the family by showing you each family member dreams, interests, and hopes for their or their family's future, only to slowly crush your heart with each tragic event that strikes this family, and by the end you are left with such an ache in your heart. Truly an amazing film.