For a film so deeply rooted in machismo culture and the bonds of brotherhood, there is a soft side to The Iron Claw that is so unexpectedly moving it brought a grown woman (me) to tears. Director Sean Durkin’s biopic of the world’s most infamous wrestling family tells a haunting story of legacy, expectation, and the costly price of success. Complicated family dynamics between an oppressive father and his four compliant sons create such palpable tension and discomfort that it can be hard to watch at times without intense feelings of parasocial guilt. Despite this, I’m hard-pressed to recommend anything else. Durkin and his incredible ensemble cast bring to the screen one of the most visceral films of the year, one full of tenacity and grit, and easily among my favorites of 2023.

Set in the early 1980s, The Iron Claw tells the true story of the Von Erich family and their tragic, unfinished legacy within the competitive world of professional wrestling. Born and raised in Texas, the bond between the Von Erich brothers – Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons) – is truly something special. Not only do they share a love of wrestling, but they all endured growing up in the shadow of their domineering father and coach, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany). Determined to have his sons pick up where he left off and push the family name toward victory, Fritz creates an environment where winning a medal equates to winning his respect.

The tough love, despite its borderline abusive tendencies, seems to work. Kevin’s (Efron) commitment to the sport proves unwavering as he climbs the ranks and starts becoming a notable figure. He seems like the obvious choice to lead the Von Erich dynasty to victory but obstacles make his road to stardom difficult. His brother Kerry (White), whose Olympic discus dreams were dashed after President Carter denied Americans from competing due to political reasons, realigns his athletic ambitions and sets his sights on the wrestling ring as well. David (Dickinson), known for his outgoing personality, follows suit and quickly becomes Fritz’s favorite son – a title Fritz doesn’t shy away from publicly declaring. His attempts to subtly pit the boys against each other to stir up aggression and animosity have an adverse effect; the Von Erich boys instead band together to become a source of refuge and understanding.

This story could have resulted in many different outcomes, but the deaths of three of the four brothers never crossed my mind. For those unfamiliar with the story, unfathomable misfortune and loss pollute the Von Erich family’s legacy. All silently suffering from childhood trauma at the hands of their father, which they express in different ways. It’s a heartbreaking realization that Fritz is clearly more concerned about his family’s legacy than his individual children’s well-being and future.

As the credits rolled, I was left gobsmacked. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, nothing short of astounding. For his role as the sole survivor, Zac Efron undergoes a full-body transformation that is worthy of every award. Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson tap into their raging animalistic side and give some of their best performances to date. It’s guttural, emotive, and tender all at once. Breakout star Stanley Simons, who plays the youngest brother Mike, is breathtaking. His presence among the film’s A-list stars feels authentic and grounded, a tall order for any actor but one that he fills with ease. Holt McCallany as Fritz and Maura Tierney as the boys’ emotionally detached and stoic mother, Doris, are both pitch perfect. The film is incredibly physical, and all who participate in the logistical aspects of the performance, both in the ring and outside of it, are exceptional. The amount of work that went into preparing for these roles and the amount of muscle that had to be built to achieve the Von Erichs’ signature stature is an astounding feat.

In a career-defining role for Efron, as well as for director Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw lands squarely within the narrow qualifications for perfection. It is both a ghost story about lost potential as well as a testament to the antithesis of fame. It’s complicated, emotionally taxing, and devastatingly abrupt. The Iron Claw should go down in history as one of the best sports biopics of all time.

In theaters this Friday, December 22, 2023.