Start the week with a film: ‘The Iron Claw’ is a moving saga of sweat and sinew

The Iron Claw, about an American wrestling family in a vice grip of ambition, beautifully balances the sweep of its story arc with the small moments. A significant victory in the ring takes place beyond the screen. The love between the family members is in full view at a wedding, where there are big smiles and awkward dance moves.

Sam Durkin’s biographical drama has been premiered on Lionsgate Play. Durkin’s film is an immersive experience of the highs and lows of wrestling, thrilling in the ring and dramatic outside of it.

Durkin’s screenplay is loosely based on a real-life clan of wrestlers. Led by Jack (Holt McCallany), and comprising Kevin (Zac Efron), David (Harris Dickinson) and Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), the Von Erichs rule the ring – but pay a heavy price too.

Jack pushes his sons hard to win the championship title that has eluded him. Kevin particularly strains every muscle to fulfil his father’s massive expectations and keep the money rolling in. The burden of expectation is felt by David and Kerry too, and threatens to torch the fourth son Mike (Stanley Simons), who would rather perform in a band.

Early scenes of achievement give way to the sombre cost of pursuing victory whatever the cost. Various...

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