Early Reactions To The Iron Claw Call it ‘Heartbreaking’ and ‘Profound’

A24 Films’ biopic about the Von Erich family, The Iron Claw, was screened for critics and the media at its premiere last night. The event happened in Dallas. Early social media reactions are coming in, with most focusing on how well it portrays the tragic story of the family. Critics are calling it ‘heartbreaking’, ’emotional’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘profound’. Particular praise went to the performances of Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany and Maura Tierney, as well as the way the wrestling sequences were shot. You can find reactions below.

The film was written and directed by Sean Durkin. It stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris Von Erich. It also features Lily James, MJF, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Brady Pierce, Thrillbilly Silas, Danny Flamingo, Cazzey Louis Cereghino, Ryan Nemeth and Chavo Guerrero. It arrives on December 22.

Here’s a synopsis: Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, the film follows the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day.

THE IRON CLAW was everything I knew it would be, which is a beautiful, heartbreaking story about a family curse that tragically destroyed them. Efron, Allen White, Tierney and McCallany give fantastic performances. Goes a little long but still packs an emotional punch. pic.twitter.com/JA0zSaEJXV

— Ryan McQuade (@ryanmcquade77) November 9, 2023

THE IRON CLAW: a heartbreaking tragedy steeped in Americana. Efron, White, Simon, and Dickinson add such interiority to their portrayal of the Von Erich family that it makes what happens sting so much more. Artful, empathetic, and at times exhilarating. Wiping tears away. pic.twitter.com/ojqQer1uZw

— James Preston Poole (@JamesPPoole) November 9, 2023

THE IRON CLAW delves into the tragic story of the Von Erich’s with utmost reverence. Zac Efron delivers his most physically & emotionally demanding performance to date. Some of the best depictions of wrestling ever seen on film. A profound human drama of love, family & resiliency pic.twitter.com/VqxKWdPxAC

— Matt Neglia @Cannes (@NextBestPicture) November 9, 2023

https://twitter.com/MurjaniRawls/status/1722473492191269313

It’s can’t come up with a well-constructed reaction for THE IRON CLAW because I’m too busy being emotionally obliterated.

This film loves wrestling, loves brotherhood, and demands the world remember the Von Erichs as wonderful, complicated people, not tragic fodder. pic.twitter.com/p5UOJGNAJn

— BJ Colangelo (@bjcolangelo) November 9, 2023

Finally free to speak on The Iron Claw, a film I saw 6 months ago & whose emotional impact hasn’t faded since. Devastating to a fault. Fantastically photographed & tone perfect direction by Sean Durkin. Acting superb all around. Holt McCallany esp. One of this year’s best films. pic.twitter.com/w9DjN6JuSX

— P Squared (@PSquareMedia) November 9, 2023

The Iron Claw is great. Zac Efron is up to the physical and emotional challenge. Every actor excels, but I thought Maura Tierney quietly stole the shoe

Packs a real emotional wallop. First-class wrestling scenes and cinematography.

If you love Durkin, you'll love this.

— Ben Miller (@NebIsBen) November 9, 2023