A muscle bound man celebrates with a championship belt held high in what appears to be a festive, energetic atmosphere. He's wearing a white tank top and has a towel draped over his shoulder, surrounded by cheering people with golden confetti or lights creating a celebratory ambiance in the background. The championship belt appears to be a boxing or combat sports title, and the scene captures the joy and triumph of winning, possibly at a post-fight celebration or victory party.

The Smashing Machine

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About The Smashing Machine

In one of the year’s most surprising pairings, Dwayne Johnson and indie icon Benny Safdie team up in The Smashing Machine, the powerful story of pioneering mixed martial arts/UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Kerr helped grow the sport’s popularity in its early days, but the fights’ brutal demands took a toll, eventually leading to painkiller addiction. The constant need to travel, since the most lucrative early matches were always in Japan, didn’t help either.

Johnson gives an eye-opening performance, abetted by Emily Blunt as Dawn, Kerr’s devoted partner, tormented by the price he pays. But perhaps the film’s greatest virtue is the way it upends the well-worn, familiar conventions of its genre. In its grit, its documentary feel, and its raw honesty, The Smashing Machine is a sports film unlike any other.

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times

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