First reactions have already hailed ‘The Iron Claw’ as the best A24 film of 2023. Special praises were directed towards the performances of the cast (particularly Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White), Sean Durkin’s impeccable direction, and the movie’s realistic, hard-hitting, and emotional tone.
Given the films released by A24 in 2023, The Iron Claw appears to be the only film that has the potential to leave an impact at this year’s Oscars. Several experts have pointed out that the forthcoming sports biopic may emerge as a wild card at the 96th Academy Awards.
Ari Aster’s Beau Is Afraid was one of the most expensive and ambitious projects that came out of A24’s factory this year. However, the production house’s expectations with the film got flushed down in the gutter, as the Joaquin Phoenix starrer tanked horribly at the box office, earning only $11.5 million against the $35-million budget. Even Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla failed to live up to the standards of A24. Although, the independent entertainment company found some underrated gems in the form of Showing Up, Your Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, and Talk To Me. But none of these movies have the star power and the hype like The Iron Claw has with it right now.
Another advantage The Iron Claw has is that its cast members have been busy promoting it for quite some time. A24 is not a part of the AMPTP, allowing the indie production company to bag interim waivers from the SAG-AFRTA. It means that Efron, White, and the rest of the film’s cast members were allowed to promote the film amidst the actors’ strike. This scenario has helped the movie earn significant hype before its theatrical release.
Moreover, several members of the Von Erich family have praised the film, especially for its pro-wrestling sequences and Efron’s performance as Kevin Von Erich. In fact, the real Kevin Von Erich himself has complimented Durkin’s team for their work.
The Iron Claw will come out in theatres worldwide on December 22. Stay tuned for more updates. Check out the film’s early reactions below, in case you have not checked them yet.
From Atom (a prominent media outlet):
#TheIronClaw REVIEW: EMOTIONAL. BRUTAL. HISTORIC! A bold, horny drama that isn’t afraid to get down & dirty. Brilliant chemistry, sensual imagery & several sequences so steamy they’ll arouse your iron rod. This isn’t just another biopic, it’s the best A24 film ever! A fitting end pic.twitter.com/Us7losBifc
— Atom (@theatomreview) November 9, 2023
Ricky Valero from Hidden Remote:
Sean Durkin delivers the sort of the Von Erich family with grace and care. Zac Efron carried the film in both emotional and physicality delivering the best performance of his career. A story of family, wrestling and tragedy. I loved it.
#TheIronClaw pic.twitter.com/sHHSLeCF0U— Ricky Vàlero (@rickyvalero_) November 9, 2023
Travis Hopson from 7 News DC and a member of Rotten Tomatoes:
#TheIronClaw is tremendous, heartbreaking, and will have you in tears at the unbelievable tragedy that tore this great wrestling family apart. This is Sean Durkin's best film yet as he continues to explore isolated families torn apart by outside pressure including faith and need
— Travis Hopson (@punchycritic) November 9, 2023
Amy McCarthy from Vox Media:
Dallas was the only place #TheIronClaw premiere could’ve happened. So much love in the room for the Von Erichs, and for a film that somehow manages to perfectly capture Dallas while telling one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever seen on screen. pic.twitter.com/KzYtMoP1RQ
— Amy McCarthy (@aemccarthy) November 9, 2023
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
