The Safdie Brothers' latest collaboration with Dwayne Johnson is a knockout... but did it land a punch at the box office? When the renowned filmmaking duo, Josh and Benny Safdie, ventured into solo projects, the excitement was palpable. Josh teamed up with Timothée Chalamet, while Benny joined forces with the charismatic Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson for 'The Smashing Machine,' a gripping drama based on the 2002 documentary. The film delves into the life of Mark Kerr, an extreme wrestler and MMA fighter, and his turbulent personal and professional journey. But here's the twist: despite the buzz, the movie failed to captivate audiences. It became Johnson's worst-performing film at the box office, a stark contrast to the critical acclaim it received.
The film's portrayal of Kerr's struggles and his toxic relationship with Dawn Staples (played by Emily Blunt) is a powerful character study. And yet, it couldn't attract the crowds. With a budget of $50 million, it only managed to bring in $6 million. But don't let the numbers fool you—'The Smashing Machine' is a critical darling. It received rave reviews, with /Film's Bill Bria commending its subversive take on MMA dramas. The film even won the prestigious Silver Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.
For those who missed its brief theatrical run, A24 has come to the rescue! As of November 4, 2025, you can now watch this intense drama on PVOD platforms like Prime Video, YouTube, and Fandango at Home. And if you're a physical media enthusiast, you're in luck! The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions are available for pre-order on the A24 website, expected to ship in January 2026. These physical copies promise an enhanced experience with bonus features, including director's commentary, a featurette, camera tests, deleted scenes, and collectible postcards.
Interestingly, the film's financial underperformance hasn't hindered the Safdie-Johnson partnership. They're set to collaborate again on 'Lizard Music,' an adaptation of a sci-fi/fantasy children's novel. This begs the question: is box office success the ultimate measure of a film's impact? Share your thoughts below, and let's discuss the controversial topic of critical acclaim versus commercial success!
