Dwayne Johnson’s most stirring performance to date premiered at the Venice Film Festival with Benny Safdie’s directorial debut, The Smashing Machine. Starring alongside Emily Blunt, the film is a gritty, unflinching biopic of legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who attended the premiere himself. The screening received an impressive 15-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, leaving not only the crowd, but Johnson too, visibly moved.
Recognized worldwide as The Rock, Johnson was visibly touched by the universal response. The crowd of fans welcomed him with his wrestling trademark catchphrase: “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!” providing an electrifying boost to an already emotional night.
A Raw and Risky Transformation
International media and critics have also commended Johnson for dropping his typical action-hero image to play Kerr’s troubled odyssey into celebrity, addiction, and identity. Under thick prosthetics and physical transformation, Johnson completely disappears into character, providing a nuanced performance unlike anything in his prior work.
Talking to Variety, Johnson said, “This is the kind of storytelling that’s raw and real.” He confessed to being terrified of going deep into such exposed terrain: “I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity to do this.”
Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, stars of "The Smashing Machine," attend the #VeniceFilmFestival premiere — with one fan shouting, “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking!” pic.twitter.com/TKvSX8wqm3
— EmilyBluntSource (@Blunt_Source) September 1, 2025
Emily Blunt Adds Grace and Heart
Emily Blunt stars as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s love interest, providing a poignant counterpoint to Johnson’s dark performance. Her own performance has been termed graceful, earthed, and emotive, contributing even more depth to the tale. The tension between the two leads has been praised for its emotional depth and nuance.
Oscar Buzz Builds
With A24 planning to distribute the film on October 3, award talk has already started. Most feel this could be Johnson’s first Oscar nomination. At 53, Johnson’s breakout role could finally convince critics who long thought of him only as a blockbuster franchise player.
Fan Reactions Pour In
Fans have swamped social media with support and enthusiasm. One user commented, “@therock can’t wait to see this! I’m ready to watch you at the Oscars!” Another posted, “We get to watch The Rock in his first legitimate acting role.”
Conclusion
The Smashing Machine has positioned Dwayne Johnson as a serious actor, capable of powerful, dramatic storytelling. With Safdie’s direction, Blunt’s performance, and Johnson’s transformation, the film looks poised to make waves this awards season.
