Latest news with #TheIronClaw
Daily Mirror
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Incredible' Netflix film based on true events is leaving viewers in tears
The movie has recently joined Netflix's large library and a well-known and film critic has 'begged' viewers to add it to their watch list, praising it as as "incredible" true story Netflix is renowned for its vast library of films and TV series spanning a multitude of genres. From comedies to dramas, westerns to documentaries, and even more niche categories like foreign films and music, there's something for everyone on the popular streaming platform. The anticipation of new releases often has fans buzzing, offering them fresh content they may not have discovered otherwise. Netflix boasts plenty of original shows and films for viewers to dive into, as well as classic blockbusters. Luke Eccleston has earned a solid reputation for his candid TV and film reviews, with a particular focus on Netflix. In his most recent TikTok video, he recommends an incredibly moving film that has just been added to the streaming giant's catalogue. Eccleston stated: "Forget about everything else on Netflix because this is the next film you need to watch. "It's a film everyone's gonna be talking about. It's a film that you definitely need to see as it is one of the most heartwrenching, gut punching, incredible stories you will ever see because it's actually true." The TV fan then shared that the film is titled The Iron Claw. It premiered in the UK in February last year and follows the journey of the Von Erich brothers as they carve out their legacy in the fiercely competitive world of professional wrestling during the early 1980s. Eccleston mentioned that when he watched The Iron Claw at the cinema he found it "genuinely unbelievable." Providing further information about the film, which holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, he added: "It shows the competitiveness of wrestling and that whole entire world and how much it means to this family. "Now, even if you're not a fan of wrestling or sports at all, like me, this is a story everyone should hear." The TV and movie critic described it as "one of the best" true stories he has ever seen. Eccleston went on: "So make sure you get this film on your watch list. I actually beg you to check this one out." His TikTok clip has racked up 26y,600 views, 3,000 likes and more than 100 comments to date. One viewer, who has seen The Iron Claw, enthused: "That film is insane. I cannot believe it's true, it's amazing." Someone else who had seen the film was deeply touched, saying: "It's been on HBO part of their A24 collection btw! For anyone who has HBO. This movie broke me down and had me tearing on a plane. That ending." Sean Durkin, a Canadian-American film director and screenwriter, directed The Iron Claw. The movie's cast members include Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Lily James, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons and Holt McCallany.
Daily Record
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix adds 'incredible yet devastating' true story film that leaves fans in floods of tears
Netflix fans have been left 'heartbroken' after watching the biopic about a famous wrestling family, starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White. Netflix has added a heartbreaking biopic about a famous wrestling family which has left viewers in floods of tears. The Iron Claw, which features a series of Hollywood stars including Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, tells the devastating story of the Von Erich brothers as they made history in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. The 2023 film, which was released in UK cinemas in February 2024, has scored an impressive 89 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes and landed on Netflix over the weekend. Zac Efron takes on a leading role as Kevin Von Erich, one of the siblings who achieved fame as a professional wrestler whilst Harris Dickinson plays David, Jeremy Allen White plays Kerry and Stanley Simons plays Mike. A synopsis for the sports drama reads: "The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s." Despite their wrestling success, the Von Erichs faced endless amounts of tragedy outside of the ring. The family was struck by a series of tragic deaths, which are depicted throughout the film, with their misfortune becoming known as the 'Von Erich Curse'. The film was already so sad that the director was forced to make the tough decision to leave one major detail out of the film in case it was too upsetting for viewers. Despite this, Netflix fans have been left highly impressed by the biopic, although they have warned it is a difficult watch. One IMDb reviewer wrote: "The Iron Claw is incredible yet devastating. It's an emotionally haunting film that is going to stick with me for a while." Meanwhile another fan on Reddit wrote: 'This movie completely broke me and I don't say that often but damn. 'I knew very little about the family going into it but had heard it was based on a true story and depressing. But this movie was more depressing than I had imagined lol especially the last 15 minutes absolutely brutal.' A third added: "Watching the final scene of The Iron Claw and I think someone must have been cutting onions next to me. Seen it like 5 times and it always hits like a punch to the gut." Referencing the missing detail of the film, another reviewer on Letterboxd wrote: 'Crazy they actually made the story less sad in order to make it more believable.' Throughout the course of the film, tragedy strikes the family multiple times and Kevin is the only brother who lives through it all. The first is when the Von Erich's older brother, Jack, died at the age of six. How he passed away was one of the many tragic details left out to make the film watchable as Jack was electrocuted by an exposed wire and drowned in a puddle. The next of his brothers to die was David Von Erich, who passed away at 25 on a trip to Japan after health complications caused his sudden death. Later in the film, Mike and Kerry Von Erich both take their own lives. Mike sadly becomes disabled to due to an in-ring accident and Kerry loses his leg the night he won the family's first World Championship. All of this happened in real life except one major detail was missed out - there was another brother who also died of suicide. Chris Von Erich was left out of the film with Mike being a combination of the two real life brothers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Chris suffered from asthma and brittle bones but attempt to wrestle anyway, which proved to be a huge fail. He killed himself with a shot to the head in 1991 at the age of 21. When speaking about the decision to leave out Chris, director Sean Durkin said: 'There was a repetition to it, and it was one more tragedy that the film couldn't really withstand.' He confessed that Chris had been in the script for five years and taking him out was an 'impossible choice.' Durkin stated that Kevin, who is the only son of Fritz Von Erich to live past their 20s or 30s, said he 'understood' when he told him of his decision.
Daily Mail
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix fans in tears at 'heartbreaking' film based on true story
Netflix fans broke down in tears at a 'heartbreaking and messy' film based on a true story with an all-star cast. The Iron Claw, directed and written by Sean Durkin, was released back in 2023, but is about to find a new audience on the popular streaming service. Viewers will be able to watch the sports movie on Netflix from August 9, 2025. The blockbuster is based on the lives of the Von Erich brothers and their careers as wrestlers, under the training of their dad. 'The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s,' IMDb's synopsis reads. It stars the likes of Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harrison Dickinson as David Von Erich, and Maura Tierney as Doris Von Erich. Stanley Simons plays Mike Von Erich, Michael J Harney is Bill Merce, Holt McCallany plays Jack Von Erich and Lily James as Pam Adkisson. Many have rushed to share their rave reviews about the film. Rolling Stone's David Fear said: 'It's a messy movie about messy lives, occasionally in ways you wish it wasn't. But The Iron Claw is also a story of redemption… That's partially why Efron's performance is the one that sticks with you.' Meanwhile Screen Rant's Mae Abdulbaki added: 'Zac Efron really gives it his all in this heartbreaking wrestling film about the Von Erich family. The biopic details the complexity of the family.' 'As a wrenching American heartland saga, The Iron Claw is certainly compelling, and to anyone unfamiliar with the Von Erichs' history, each jolt of fresh anguish delivered to the family will be startling,' The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney wrote. The Irish Times' Tara Brady said: 'The Iron Claw looks and feels like a pre-streaming TV movie – and not just any old TV movie but a strangely entertaining, darkly tragic, completely gripping TV movie.' Others have rushed online to other websites to give their thoughts. The movie has got a whopping 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. One said on the critic site: 'A tragic story, told impeccably well. More wrestling biopics please!' 'Didn't think this would be one of the best films I've seen, really surprised me... No popcorn needed! Maybe just tissues.' 'An absolutely fantastic film that had to be dialed down to make it believable. 'Tragic family story that was worse in real life but too unbelievable to put all in the movie.' 'Phenomenal movie. Amazing performances from the actors. I've lost people close to me so I really felt this one. Truly beautiful movie.' 'Wow. Incredible acting from all performers. It's more about family, masculinity, grief, loss, and mental health than wrestling. One of the best movies I've seen in years actually. 'Tragic, true story, heartbreaker of a film.' 'Ultimately, heart wrenching.' High School Musical legend Zac previously opened up about the work he had to put into his physique ahead of filming with Deadline. The actor said: 'Nothing could prepare me for the wrestling. The physical preparation and the training, that's something that I've always found very interesting. 'I've always admired people's transformations, in particular for movie roles. I just find that dedication fascinating and special when I see it. 'So in training for this, I got to train essentially for my championship, my belt match. It all came down to, how precise is my training? How dedicated am I to this? How hard can I push?
Daily Mirror
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers in tears after watching heartbreaking biopic with Hollywood star
Netflix fans have been left in tears after watching The Iron Claw on Netflix, which stars Zac Efron in a role that is worlds away from the Disney Channel film that made him famous Netflix fans have been left in tears after The Iron Claw made its debut on Netflix. The 2023 film stars Zac Efron as wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich, and was released on the streaming platform on Friday, almost two years on from when it first came out in cinemas. The film charts lives of the Von Erich brothers and their careers, and High School Musical star Zac, 37, stars alongside the likes of Jeremy Allen White, Harrison Dickinson, Lily James and Maura Tierney. A synopsis for the sports drama reads: "The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s." Critics were immediately grabbed by the film's premise, with Rolling Stone's David Fear writing: "It's a messy movie about messy lives, occasionally in ways you wish it wasn't. But The Iron Claw is also a story of redemption… That's partially why Efron's performance is the one that sticks with you." It comes as BBC viewers cringe at Kemi Badenoch's 'fields of wheat' moment. READ MORE: Zac Efron looks unrecognisable on set with Phoebe Dyvenor as they hold hands for new film One critic said: "Zac Efron really gives it his all in this heartbreaking wrestling film about the Von Erich family. The biopic details the complexity of the family," whilst another added: "As a wrenching American heartland saga, The Iron Claw is certainly compelling, and to anyone unfamiliar with the Von Erichs' history, each jolt of fresh anguish delivered to the family will be startling. " A third shared: 'The Iron Claw looks and feels like a pre-streaming TV movie – and not just any old TV movie but a strangely entertaining, darkly tragic, completely gripping TV movie." Fans have also been quick to flood social media with their opinions after the film arrived on Netflix. One said: "The ending of the iron claw has just ripped my heart out," and another said bluntly: "Haunting good story, that left me in an emotional wreck. Excellent performance from Zac Efron. Really just hits different." A third said: "Watching the final scene of The Iron Claw and I think someone must have been cutting onions next to me. Seen it like 5 times and it always hits like a punch to the gut." One viewer, who had been particularly moved by the events depicted in the film, said: "The Iron Claw is the saddest fkn film I've ever seen. Who can be happy again after seeing this?! WHO MADE THIS??!!!" and another wrote: "Watching the Iron Claw knowing fully well I would cry but the AMOUNT of crying was underestimated." The film has also caused a stir on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where it has managed to reach a score of 89%. One reviewer said on the famed movie website: "A tragic story, told impeccably well. More wrestling biopics please! Didn't think this would be one of the best films I've seen, really surprised me... No popcorn needed! Maybe just tissues.' An absolutely fantastic film that had to be dialled down to make it believable. Tragic family story that was worse in real life but too unbelievable to put all in the movie.' A second film buff added: "Phenomenal movie. Amazing performances from the actors. I've lost people close to me so I really felt this one. Truly beautiful movie," and a third said: "Wow. Incredible acting from all performers. It's more about family, masculinity, grief, loss, and mental health than wrestling. One of the best movies I've seen in years actually!" Zac previously reflected on his difficult training for the sports flick. He told USA Today: "You think you're getting the hang of it, and you speed up a few times and your confidence gets built up. Then you slam into one of those things just an inch too high and your rib is like gone. You can't breathe for a couple days. I don't know how these guys do it, man ... it's shocking that first time you do it. You're like, 'This is not as easy as it looks on TV.'" And around the same time, he explained to Deadline: "Nothing could prepare me for the wrestling. The physical preparation and the training, that's something that I've always found very interesting. I've always admired people's transformations, in particular for movie roles. I just find that dedication fascinating and special when I see it. "So in training for this, I got to train essentially for my championship, my belt match. It all came down to, how precise is my training? How dedicated am I to this? How hard can I push? I think I shed a skin somewhere in those seven months where Kevin was really at the wheel. It felt honest, it felt real. "I felt like I was physically there; I felt mentally there, as a direct result of the training, and then from there, the wrestling, surprisingly, was fun."
Daily Mail
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix fans break down in tears at 'heartbreaking and messy' film based on true story with all-star cast
Netflix fans broke down in tears at a 'heartbreaking and messy' film based on a true story with an all-star cast. The Iron Claw, directed and written by Sean Durkin, was released back in 2023, but is about to find a new audience on the popular streaming service. Viewers will be able to watch the sports movie on Netflix from August 9, 2025. The blockbuster is based on the lives of the Von Erich brothers and their careers as wrestlers, under the training of their dad. 'The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s,' IMDb's synopsis reads. It stars the likes of Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harrison Dickinson as David Von Erich, and Maura Tierney as Doris Von Erich. The Iron Claw, directed and written by Sean Durkin, was released back in 2024... but it is about to land on the popular streaming service Stanley Simons plays Mike Von Erich, Michael J Harney is Bill Merce, Holt McCallany plays Jack Von Erich and Lily James as Pam Adkisson. Many have rushed to share their rave reviews about the film. Rolling Stone's David Fear said: 'It's a messy movie about messy lives, occasionally in ways you wish it wasn't. But The Iron Claw is also a story of redemption… That's partially why Efron's performance is the one that sticks with you.' Meanwhile Screen Rant's Mae Abdulbaki added: 'Zac Efron really gives it his all in this heartbreaking wrestling film about the Von Erich family. The biopic details the complexity of the family.' 'As a wrenching American heartland saga, The Iron Claw is certainly compelling, and to anyone unfamiliar with the Von Erichs' history, each jolt of fresh anguish delivered to the family will be startling,' The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney wrote. The Irish Times' Tara Brady said: 'The Iron Claw looks and feels like a prestreaming TV movie – and not just any old TV movie but a strangely entertaining, darkly tragic, completely gripping TV movie.' Others have rushed online to other websites to give their thoughts. The movie has got a whopping 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. One said on the critic site: 'A tragic story, told impeccably well. More wrestling biopics please!' 'Didn't think this would be one of the best films I've seen, really surprised me... No popcorn needed! Maybe just tissues.' 'An absolutely fantastic film that had to be dialled down to make it believable. 'Tragic family story that was worse in real life but too unbelievable to put all in the movie.' 'Phenominal movie. Amazing performances from the actors. I've lost people close to me so I really felt this one. Truly beautiful movie.' 'Wow. Incredible acting from all performers. It's more about family, masculinity, grief, loss, and mental health than wrestling. One of the best movies I've seen in years actually. 'Tragic, true story, heartbreaker of a film.' 'Ultimately, heart wrenching.' High School Musical legend Zac previously opened up about the work he had to put into his physique ahead of filming with Deadline. The actor said: 'Nothing could prepare me for the wrestling. The physical preparation and the training, that's something that I've always found very interesting. 'I've always admired people's transformations, in particular for movie roles. I just find that dedication fascinating and special when I see it. 'So in training for this, I got to train essentially for my championship, my belt match. It all came down to, how precise is my training? How dedicated am I to this? How hard can I push? 'I think I shed a skin somewhere in those seven months where Kevin was really at the wheel. It felt honest, it felt real. 'I felt like I was physically there; I felt mentally there, as a direct result of the training, and then from there, the wrestling, surprisingly, was fun.
