Even two years ago I would never have missed a big theatrical A24 release, but as Neon continues to rise, A24’s luster has started to dim. They have released more than their fair share of busts this year and as such when the new Dwayne Johnson headed Oscar hopeful biopic was released to a less than stellar reception, it dropped down my priority list, but with Benny Safdie at the helm I was going to make my way around to it eventually.

The Smashing Machine is a narrative remake of a 2002 documentary of the same name. Johnson takes over the role of Mark Kerr, an M.M.A. fighter from the earliest days of the UFC. Supported by his partner Dawn (Emily Blunt) and friend/ trainer Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader) Kerr fights not only the competition but also his demons as he strains to remain in control.

Johnson’s performance is the standout component of the film. He was looking for a way to prove that he was an actor and not just a movie star, and while the film’s poor performance will likely deny him the Oscar nomination that he was gunning for, he has provided a strong proof of concept that he is an actor worth respecting. From intense focus to exasperated boyfriend to giddy friend he hits unique notes throughout the film while still making Mark feel like a complete character.

While many biopics fall for the trap of trying to fit too much into a single film, The Smashing Machine marks the rare occasion in which a little more scope would have been appreciated. The film focuses on such a short time period, a single Japanese tournament, that it is difficult to grasp the level of fame Kerr possessed at the time. This may have been less on an issue in the documentary as the audience would likely be self-selected to be fans of the sport, but for a wide release awards hopeful more context on the state of the sport and Mark’s place in it would have gone a long way. Similarly, it was very hard to get a grasp on the relationship between Kerr and Dawn. They both came across as manipulative and toxic in the small amount of time they interacted on screen, yet the epilogue exclaimed that they were married and together for years, which implies they might have been right for each other.

The Smashing machine is a frustrating film. Dwayne Johnson excels in his most serious role to date, yet the film does not feel like it is solid enough to support the performance. The film feels like the 4^th episode of a six episode docuseries, and while I still land on the side of recommending it, it is hard not to be disappointed that the film did not meet Johnson’s performance.