“Great American Cinema”: Rated 4 out of 5, this is the best movie of 2024

After the acclaimed Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) and The Nest (2021), director Sean Durkin returns with Iron Claw. Released this week, the biopic, which focuses on a family of wrestlers with a tragic fate, has been well received by the press. Average rating for this movie starring muscular Zac Efron is 4 out of 5 for 21 media.

Not only is Iron Claw the best feature film of the week, ahead of December in May, La Grace or even The Last of the Jews, but in early 2024, ahead of Priscilla and the Poor Creatures.

What is it about?

The inseparable Von Erich brothers left their mark on professional wrestling history in the early 80s. Trained by their tyrannical father with an iron fist, they must fight in the ring and in life. Between triumphs and tragedies, this new gem produced by A24 is inspired by their own history.

What does the press think?

According to CinemaTeaser:

“Iron Claws, like few films, captures the heartache of losing a loved one and the abyss of their absence.” (Aurelien Allin) 5/5

According to this:

“The Great American Cinema.” (era) 5/5

According to Le Journal du Dimanche:

“With Sean Durkin at the helm, the story focuses on the physical and psychological suffering endured by these idealistic young men, evoking their courage and resilience in the face of adversity and rewarding audiences with a very spectacular ring sequence.” (Stephanie Belpesch) 4/5

According to Les Echos:

“Through the true story of a wrestling family, Sean Durkin creates a Texas saga that depicts the strength of destiny. Muscle, sweat…and heart.” (Adrienne Gombo) 4/5

According to Les Inrockuptibles:

“Besides the excellent reconstruction of the wrestling scenes, the great quality of the third film of Sean Durkin, whose favorite subject was the mechanisms of male control, is to explain the damage of this toxic fatherhood without exaggerating the line. They let off steam as the film progresses.” (Bruno De Ruiso) 4/5

It’s the start of 2024 at the movies! Did Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White do their own wrestling in Iron Claw?

According to Ecran Large:

“Iron Claws” avoids the pitfalls of biography, presenting its story as a prophecy, a tragedy foretold and patiently orchestrated, while captivating with its highly expressive staging and the many nuances of its damaged characters.” (Deborah Lechner) 4/5

According to Le Dauphiné Libéré:

“With very good supporting cast (Maura Tierney, Jeremy Allen White and A. (Thibaut Lis) 4/5

According to Le Figaro:

“Zac Efron, a no-nonsense bodybuilder, leads the dance with a sad look that splits shards of ice. (…) His bravado slung over his shoulder, this once-innocent actor shines in this chronicle, which looks like something out of the best independent cinema of the 1970s.” (Eric Neuhoff) 4/5

According to Télérama:

“An uneven but relevant film about the harms of virilism.” (Joseph Boinay) 3/5

According to Critikat.com:

“The ‘Iron Claw’ sported by an excellent cast is hampered by a performance that can’t hold its own, an absolute edge. (Damien Bonnell) 2/5