Hollywood’s cinematic landscape is built on the legacies of its biggest stars, and Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, has carved a monumental one. From his blockbuster action films, such as the Fast & Furious franchise and Jumanji, to the animated hit Moana, Johnson has solidified his place as a global box office titan. This history of high-octane entertainment and family-friendly adventures has defined his career, but his latest venture, The Smashing Machine, at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, marks a significant milestone.

Religiously pacing back and forth from one action franchise to another, as per the talk in Venice, Dwayne Johnson seems to have finally broken out, and the audiences have just the reaction to go with it.

Dwayne Johnson, alongside Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie, revealed the highly anticipated film, The Smashing Machine, at the Venice Film Festival. This A24 production, a raw and intense drama about the life of mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr, received an astonishing 15 1/2-minute standing ovation from the audience, a testament to its powerful impact. The moment was highly emotional for Johnson and the team, with the star visibly moved by the effusive applause that filled the screening room.

The film focuses on the tumultuous life of Mark Kerr, a formidable figure from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. The story delves into Kerr's struggles with addiction, the pressures of winning, and the complexities of love and friendship at the height of his career. Transformed by stunning prosthetics, Dwayne Johnson vanishes into the role, fulfilling his desire to embrace more challenging and personal characters, while Emily Blunt portrays Kerr's girlfriend, Dawn Staples. The cast also features real-life fighters Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, adding to the film's authenticity.

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The film's powerful reception sets a high bar for the other movies that premiered at the festival in 2025.

The 2025 Venice Film Festival has been a stage for powerful cinematic moments, with several films earning extended ovations. Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, was met with a 13-minute ovation, the longest of the festival before Dwayne Johnson's film premiered. The gothic drama, a passion project for the director, left its stars in tears and solidified its status as an awards contender.

Another film that garnered significant praise was Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. The South Korean director’s return to Venice after two decades was celebrated with an 8.5-minute ovation. This black comedy, starring Lee Byung-hun, captivated audiences with its sharp wit and commentary on job insecurity, establishing itself as a memorable premiere at the festival. These films, like The Smashing Machine, demonstrate that the festival’s most heartfelt reactions are reserved for cinema that pushes boundaries and leaves a lasting emotional impression.

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Are you anticipating for a quick release of the movie, The Smashing Machine? Let us know in the comments below.