73
Metascore
55 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100ConsequenceClint WorthingtonConsequenceClint WorthingtonWrestling, at its best, is a mythic art, an extension of the traditions of ancient Greece — with all the grand pageantry and theater that turns mere mortals into titans. Durkin knows this, and uses all that bigness to startling effect, transforming the tragedy of an American family into a bittersweet legend.
- 83IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichDurkin’s movie has its fair share of crucial moments in the ring, but none of them would land with a fraction of the same impact if not for the many crystalline little moments in which Kerry, Kevin, David, and Mike get to build each other up.
- 80Screen RantMae AbdulbakiScreen RantMae AbdulbakiIt’s a harrowing, visceral, poignant biopic that will surely make you shed a tear or two regardless of whether you knew the Von Erich story.
- 80ColliderColliderThe Iron Claw succumbs to the powerful blows of biopic movie standards, there’s no denying it. But its most insightful qualities rooted in the dissonance between the persona of the Von Erichs and their psychological struggles ensure it scores plenty of cinematic KO’s.
- 75Slant MagazineMarshall ShafferSlant MagazineMarshall ShafferWith scalpel-like precision, the film exposes the agonies of fathers, sons, and brothers.
- The chemistry between the brothers is palpable, creating emotional heft behind each victory and defeat.
- 67The PlaylistGregory EllwoodThe PlaylistGregory EllwoodThe movie has its issues. . . The wrestling though? The action in the ring? Durkin’s direction of those classic matches? It often looks more “real” than the WWE or professional wrestling you see on television today.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe performances are good, the wrestling thrillingly-shot and cut together. But with a meandering message and an ending that is almost a parody of the “paradise” these boys reach for, it’s forgiveable to consider “The Iron Claw” — scripted and acted to the limits of what the script serves up — as little better than a draw.
- 60The GuardianAdrian HortonThe GuardianAdrian HortonThe Von Erichs endured so much loss, and Durkin manages to convey some of it.
- 58The Daily BeastNick SchagerThe Daily BeastNick SchagerBlame for this sports drama’s shallow leadenness can’t be similarly pinned on the supernatural; instead, its shortcomings are attributable to a one-dimensional script and resultant performances that are far less nuanced than its headliners’ ripped bodies.