The Smashing Machine

What’s it about?

Mark Kerr is a champion mixed martial arts fighter whose success in the ring hides a life unravelling outside it. The film follows his struggles with painkiller addiction, emotional turmoil, and the pressure of fame, showing how the brutal world of professional fighting takes a toll on his body, relationships, and mental health.

The facts 

• Directed by Bennie Safdie (Uncut Gems)
• English language
• Runtime: 123 minutes
• Starring Dwayne Johnson (Moana) and Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy)
• The Smashing Machine is a biographical sports drama 

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Violence

The violence in the film is realistic and physical, centred on mixed martial arts (MMA) fights and the personal toll of a violent profession. Viewers can expect frequent, intense fighting scenes, featuring punches, kicks, and grappling that result in visible blood and injuries, as well as domestic conflict and heated arguments and emotional outbursts outside the ring. The tone is gritty and grounded rather than stylised or sensationalised. The violence is used to show how much the sport affects fighters’ bodies and minds. Strongest scenes include:

• Brutal MMA bouts with close-up shots of fighters being struck, bleeding, or knocked unconscious.
• Moments of verbal aggression and property damage during heated domestic arguments.

Offensive language

Offensive language is frequently used including words such as “f*ck”, “asshole” and “sh*t”.

Drug use

The film includes frequent drug use, mainly linked to pain management and addiction. Viewers see characters using and misusing prescription painkillers and other substances to cope with injuries and stress. The drug use is shown in a realistic and sometimes distressing way, highlighting how addiction harms relationships and health rather than glamorising it.

Suicide references

The film includes themes of suicide and self-harm, shown in the context of emotional distress and relationship breakdowns. These moments are intense and upsetting, but they are handled seriously rather than sensationally, highlighting the characters’ mental health struggles. The strongest example is during confrontation involving a gun, where the main character’s partner threatens to take her own life during an argument. The scene is highly emotional, showing panic, fear, and desperation as he tries to stop her and get help. No one is shot, but the threat and tension are very strong.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?