Tag: Sean Durkin

Wrestling family on the road to tragedy

The wrestling Von Erich brothers are (from left): David (Harris Dickinson), Kevin (Zac Efron), Mike (Stanley Simons) and Kerry (Jeremy Allen White). (Photo by Eric Chakeen)

By Richard Ades

When wrestler Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) tells his future wife how much he cares about his younger brothers, she says he must have “oldest son syndrome.” She’s right, it turns out, as every time one of his sibs succumbs to what Kevin calls the family curse, the pain and concern are etched all over his face.

Curses are imaginary, of course, but it’s hard not to believe in them after watching The Iron Claw. The tale eventually racks up so much tragedy that writer/director Sean Durkin might be accused of melodramatic overkill if he hadn’t based his script on the Von Erichs, a real-life family of wrestlers that won notoriety in the 1980s.

A black-and-white prologue explains the Texas-based dynasty’s origins. Fritz Adkisson (Holt McCallany), who competes under the stage name Von Erich, believes he can make his fortune in the ring if only he commits himself to the task. He’s so convinced of his future success that he surprises wife Doris (Maura Tierney) with a Cadillac that she knows they can’t afford.

Kerry (Jeremy Allen White, left) and David (Harris Dickinson) share a triumphant moment in the ring. (Photo by Brian Roedel)

The film then fast-forwards a couple of decades to find Fritz equally committed to turning his now-grown sons into successful wrestlers. At first, that means only Kevin and second-oldest David (Harris Dickinson), but eventually Fritz wheedles younger brothers Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and would-be musician Mike (Stanley Simons) into joining the family business.

How? Apparently Fritz relies on parental authority and none-too-subtle appeals to sibling rivalry. In an early scene, he goes so far as to rank his sons in order of preference, telling them their rankings are subject to change depending on their actions. In other words, he’s not exactly in the running for Father of the Year.

Just as future wife Pam (Lily James) predicted, Kevin ends up feeling protective toward his younger brothers when he thinks his dad is treating them like pawns. For the most part, though, he says nothing, either on their behalf or his own, even after Fritz begins granting the others opportunities that had been promised to him.

Pam (Lily James) and her husband, Kevin (Zac Efron) (Photo by Brian Roedel)

In fact, no one says anything, allowing Fritz to push his offspring into situations that prove increasingly dangerous for them and the family as a whole. The result is a slow-motion disaster that would be painful to watch if it weren’t so beautifully acted.

Leading the cast, a bulked-up Efron aces the part of the self-effacing, self-doubting Kevin, while McCallany makes Fritz an understated portrait of modern Machiavellianism. Equally effective are Dickinson, White and Simons as the younger brothers, Tierney as the emotionally distant mother and James as the warm-hearted Pam.

The moral of the story seems to be that wrestling may be a make-believe sport, but the dangers it presents can be all too real—especially when you’re pushed into it by someone guided solely by his own self-interest.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

The Iron Claw (rated R) opens Dec. 22 in theaters nationwide.

Marital drama has horrific trappings

Allison and Rory O’Hara (Carrie Coon and Jude Law) are living uncomfortably beyond their means. (Photos courtesy of IFC)

By Richard Ades

Several times during The Nest, Rory O’Hara (Jude Law) is seen delivering a morning cup of coffee to his still-sleeping wife, Allison (Carrie Coon). The significance of the recurrent scene changes over time.

At first, it appears to show a thoughtful husband taking part in one of the comfortable rituals that mark a successful relationship. Later, it appears to say more about the wife. Does her tendency to sleep late symbolize her apparent ability to put off dealing with the problems that have long been developing in their marriage?

The first hint of trouble comes when Rory tells Allison they must leave their ritzy American home—which includes ample space for her to ply her trade as an equestrian instructor—and return to his native London. Things just aren’t working out here, he says, and besides, his old company is begging him to return (which, it turns out, is a lie).

Allison briefly complains that they’ve already moved several times for similar reasons, but she ultimately gives in. So, after shipping her favorite horse to the UK, she sets off for London with their two kids, teenage Samantha (Oona Roche) and 10-year-old Benjamin (Charlie Shotwell). There, Allison is surprised to learn that Rory has already leased a farm with a gigantic mansion worthy of landed gentry. This begins ringing belated alarm bells, particularly after she finds that Rory is allowing their bills to go unpaid.

Rory (Jude Law) has a contemplative moment.

Written and directed by Sean Durkin, who’s best known for 2011’s tense Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Nest often comes off as a thriller or even a horror film. Spooky music, baroque interiors and a horse’s terrified screams may even make you wonder whether the family’s new home is haunted. Both Samantha and Benjamin seem to suspect it is, the younger boy being particularly terrified.

Essentially, though, this is the tale of a family unraveling because it’s headed by a man who insists on chasing elusive fantasies of success. To the extent that the film itself succeeds, it’s because all four of the principal players are wonderful, starting with Law as a driven individual incapable of recognizing his own delusions and limitations.

To the extent the film fails, on the other hand, it’s because Durkin works harder at creating an atmosphere than he does at establishing relatable characters. He doesn’t make us care enough about these people, and he then compounds the problem by telling their tale in a leisurely manner.

The film somewhat makes up for its deficiencies with an ending that offers at least partial closure, but viewers should be aware that patience is required along the way.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

The Nest (rated R) is available from VOD outlets beginning Nov. 17.