We evolve throughout our lives, discovering new and exciting ventures that guide our energy and interests. As we navigate through these chosen hobbies, they become a part of who we are at our core. And while these ever-changing interests come and go, they’ll never be forgotten. For me, wrestling was my first foray into television entertainment. It provided compelling story arcs, larger-than-life characters, and astonishing physicality that left me entranced. But as you get older, the innocence and naivety surrounding professional wrestling shatters. It’s a crushing sport, and no one knows that more than the individuals who call the ring their home. This sets table for writer and director Sean Durkin’s (Martha Marcy May Marlene) true tale of legacy and tragedy involving wrestling royalty, The Iron Claw.

As a world champion wrestler in the 50s and 60s, patriarch Fritz Von Erich (Mindhunter’s Holt McCallany) teaches his four sons the way of the ring and all the sacrifices that come along with the lifestyle. Kevin (Zac Efron), the eldest brother, paves the way as a rising star in local Texas wrestling. But the only thing he and his brothers Chris (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White), and Michael (Stanley Simons) love more than being in the ring, is being with each other. Their bond strong and their dedication undeniable, they are destined to conquer the wrestling world. If only it could be so easy.

The Iron Claw captures the beauty of familial ties, and the heartbreak of loss. It’s as deep, dark, and honest a movie as you’ll ever see. Tragedy looms over this family like a dark cloud. The frequency of these brutal events feels so unbelievable and unlikely that these young brothers and the people around them start to wonder if it’s some kind of supernatural curse. Sean Durkin’s screenplay illustrates the fear and damage weighing on these young men and it’s both harrowing and visceral. There’s one fleeting moment when Kevin, a new father, sleeps underneath an office desk at his family’s wrestling venue. Without a word of dialogue, it’s clear that he’s distancing himself from his wife and child, afraid that these terrible misfortunes will find their way to the small family he’s built for himself. The Iron Claw’s sad and subtle demeanor makes for a soul-crushingly effective experience.

Yet, you can’t have heartache without love, and the film’s portrayal of the Von Erich’s brotherly bond is just as engrossing as its tragic elements. Kevin is the glue, committed to his family and always setting a good example for his younger siblings. They support each other without question, push each other without judgment, and love each other without bounds. Kevin’s love story with Pam (Lily James) is another uplifting storyline that counterbalances the unfortunate drama. In all, it’s a strong script and stellar performances that help drive this winning chemistry. The Iron Claw’s entire ensemble is worthy of praise, although no singular performance warrants awards season consideration. It’s a complete group effort, everyone working together as a collective to lift the film to impressive heights. It’s a testament to Sean Durkin’s direction as he gets the most out of his cast.

The Iron Claw isn’t always a pleasant watch, but it’s an effective film that does its source material justice. Sean Durkin gives us a movie that’s about so much more than just wrestling. It’s a heavy family drama that never relents and is so much better because of it. Embrace all your emotions with one of 2023’s finest films of the year.