The Iron Claw, written and directed by Sean Durkin, tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers, who made all followed in their father’s footsteps, taking part in professional wrestling in the early 1980s.
There is much talk in the film of the Von Erich curse, and there is so much tragedy in evidence that it is tempting to believe it. In fact, the real story is even more harrowing than is depicted in The Iron Claw as there were two additional brothers, who did not feature in the film, who both committed suicide.
But it is clearly the combination of a father trying to live his dreams through his kids and a mother blinded by religion that cause the disastrous events. Both Holt McCallany and Maura Tierney are excellent as those parents, as is Jeremy Allen White as Kerry, who turns to wrestling after his Olympic discus throwing dreams are dashed by the US boycott of the 1980 games.
I was less impressed by Zac Efron in the lead role as the oldest son and, whilst there are lots of things to admire, the movie does not quite equal the sum of its parts.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10