Wrestling fans have awaited the next great wrestling film to appear. This is a short expectation because, in the past 25 years, we’ve seen a great film with The Wrestler and the not so great – Ready to Rumble, No Holds Barred, and Nacho Libre. For the not so great films, you could see that these cinematic entries have been less than worthy, specifically with their ridicule of the wrestling world often making it and fans the butt of jokes.
That all changed with 2009 and The Wrestler. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, mother!) and starring Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler shows the world what happens to an aging wrestler, who while long past his prime is ready to get back in the ring for his comeback. The film garnered much praise and awards acclaim for Mickey Rourke including a Best Actor Academy Award nomination and Best Actor wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTA. It provided fans and the world with an impactful film about the wrestling industry and a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you leave that world.
Fast forward ten years later, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson brings Fighting with My Family to audiences. Similarly to The Wrestler, Fighting with My Family showcases a family’s struggle but this time that struggle is making it in the wrestling business. Fighting with My Family attempts and successfully blends comedic and heartwarming elements all throughout the film.
Fighting with My Family is based on the true story of current WWE superstar, Paige. Coming along for the ride is her father Ricky, mother Julia, and brother Zak. When Paige and Zak get the opportunity to try out for WWE, Paige is chosen to join the company in their NXT developmental camp, while her brother is left behind leading to a rift between the siblings.
Fighting with My Family doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel in any way with the story playing out as seen before, the film is still able to capture cinephiles attention because of its heartwarming story and comedy.
Director Stephen Merchant’s inclusion of the family dynamic throughout the film is important to Paige’s eventual rise. From showing the family’s passion for the business by displaying their own independent wrestling promotion to each family member’s reaction to Paige’s NXT call up, the family’s strong bond and dynamic is what supports and assists Paige in becoming a success in this world.
Florence Pugh (Paige) and Jack Lowden (Zak) should be praised for their stupendous performances and chemistry. Pugh is able to capture Paige’s vulnerability and self-doubt throughout the film all which make her eventual rise in the wrestling world a powerful moment to behold. Lowden’s performance should also be commended as similarly to Pugh. His showcase of raw emotion onscreen was impactful, especially as his character deals with the reality that his dreams of being a wrestling superstar won’t ever come true.
One performance that came out of left field that should be praised is Vince Vaughn’s portrayal of WWE NXT coach, Hutch. I am unapologetically a huge fan of Vince Vaughn’s work and seeing him unleash his comedic chops in this role was great to watch. Pugh and Vaughn are dynamite in all of their scenes together and provide some of the film’s best laughs.
What works so well in Fighting with My Family is the ability to cater to the wrestling fan base but not ignore casual filmgoers who are new to the industry and are just looking for good time at the movies. There is plenty of entertainment for all here along with some hidden wrestling gems. They’re used very well and sufficient enough that they don’t become distracting enough to create a disinterest from a casual filmgoer.
Fighting with My Family gives us a story with enough heart and laughs that is sure to win over audiences and maybe, just maybe, create a few new wrestling fans in the process.
Reel Talk gives Fighting with My Family 3.5 reels
