By: Jesse Striewski

As a wrestling fan, my only knowledge of the Von Erich family and it’s alleged “curse” are the things I’ve read about them in print or film over the years, considering they were just a tad before my time. But their story is nothing short of tragic, albeit it’s hard to find much “triumph” in it all as well. I can’t say I’ve ever gone out of my way to watch anything starring Zach Efron, either, but his portrayal here of the eldest brother Kevin Von Erich is so out of the norm, you forget it’s even him.

For those unfamiliar, the Von Erich brothers rose to prominence in the late ’70s/early ’80s under the leadership of their ruthless father, wrestling promoter and WCCW owner Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany in a particularly unlikable role). Each time seemingly on the cusp of greatness, tragedy strikes the brothers David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and MiKe (Stanley Simmons), almost as though one-by-one (hence, the “curse”) while Kevin can only stand aside and watch all the carnage as a bystander more or less.

But there is beauty to be found among the tragedy, too. The budding young romance between Kevin and future wife Pam (Lily James), and the relationships between the four brothers and their tyrant father are relatable for just about anyone who’s lived the small town American experience. And I can’t even remember the last time I sat in a theater and could hear a pin drop the audience was literally so engrossed in the film. It’s not perfect, nor pretty, and it is no doubt emotionally draining on all levels. But it’s hard to walk away from The Iron Claw without feeling at least some sort of connection to the human elements witnessed on screen.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars