Sean Durkin’s “The Iron Claw,” being released theatrically on December 22nd, is apparently not premiering at any of the fall festivals. This likely means that A24 sees zero awards potential in this film.
A real shame, if you ask me. “The Iron Claw” sounds like the type of film that absolutely needs to be spotlighted at a film festival. It’s not big or showy and could benefit from the exposure. Plus, Durkin has become a fairly big name in the indie scene.
At least we’re getting a first look next week. A trailer for “The Iron Claw” will be released on Wednesday. We’ll finally have proof that this film actually exists.
Durkin is coming off directing two above-average films, “Martha Marcy May Marlene” and “The Nest,” and here’s hoping he continues that streak with this next one. Based on what I’ve heard, it’s supposed be very austere and coldly-detached storytelling.
As far as I know, the film test-screened twice, with many bewildered by the film’s minimalist approach. Someone compared it to Bennet Miller’s “Foxcatcher” which is absolute music to my ears. Durkin doesn’t make commercial cinema, and all the better for it.
The drama tackles the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport in the US from the 1960s to present day. Many believed the Von Eric’s were the unfortunate recipients of a curse known as the “Von Eric Curse.” You should look it up, this family has had a lot of misfortunes and tragedies come their way in the last six or so decades.
The film, produced by A24, stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany, Maura Tierney and Lily James.
Back in 2021, Noah Baumbach signed a multi-year deal with Netflix that committed him to writing and directing several films for the streamer over the following years. He made two, and now he's gone.