Netflix adds 'emotionally haunting' biopic with Zac Efron's best performance
One of Zac Efron's most captivating performances is now streaming on Netflix, and it's worlds away from his light-hearted High School Musical days.
The Hollywood heartthrob stars in R-rated sports drama The Iron Claw, alongside the talented Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) and Stanley Simons (Rocky's).
First released in the UK in 2024, the biopic is inspired by the devastating story of the Von Erich brothers, who made history in the 1980s wrestling world.
Efron stars as Kevin, one of the brothers who made waves as a pro-wrestler, with Dickinson portraying David, White playing Kerry and Simons as Mike.
While their sport took great importance in their lives, the Von Erichs were plagued by tragedy outside the ring. The family was struck by a series of tragic deaths, which became known as the 'Von Erich Curse.'
This drama, directed by Sean Durkin, delves into their success as sportsmen as well as their "cursed" personal lives. It currently sits at an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, with audiences rating it a stellar 94%.
Critics raved about the biopic in their consensus, stating: "Powerfully acted and profoundly sad, The Iron Claw honours its fact-based story with a dramatization whose compassionate exploration of family ties is just as hard-hitting as its action in the wrestling ring."
Viewers have also shared glowing reviews. One fan penned: "It's rare to get such an emotionally powerful movie that's this entertaining and well paced.
"On the surface, it looks like a movie about wrestling but it goes so much deeper in to themes pain/loss, purpose, generational sin, family, and the weight of great expectations. Zac Efron delivers his best performance in this film while surrounded by an amazing cast of supporting actors."
But don't be fooled by these rave reviews, The Iron Claw is not an easy watch.
An IMDb user vouched for its emotional impact, writing: "The Iron Claw is incredible yet devastating. It's an emotionally haunting film that is going to stick with me for a while."
Yet another fan took to Google reviews and praised: "A sombre yet explosive, near flawless piece of cinema that is hands down the best sports drama since 2015's Creed!"
Meanwhile, a third warned: "Be prepared that it's more sad than uplifting, although that shouldn't deter you from watching. It's well done."
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