Brandon at Random Reviews

God, do I ever fucking love that Tom Hardy. Such an immense talent, so many great performances in his career. I remember somebody told me to watch this when it came on Netflix for the first time I believe. I was floored. Like shit, this dude has some real acting chops. Man-crush caliber stuff here folks. And in this he’s got veteran Nick Nolte and the solid Joel Edgerton to compete with. Just so good.

There’s something about the nearly constant tension here. It’s not suspense really, it’s like an uncomfortable weight hanging around in every scene, dripping off of every interaction. There’s such a real sense of long lasting family tension that is coming to a head as the film progresses. Everyone has been on the outs with each other, estranged and bitter. They’re all sick of one another’s shit and you can feel it in your bones. Everyone does so fucking well in this movie, guys! I shouldn’t have waited so damn long for another rewatch.

Hardy and Edgerton play two brothers who are into ultimate fighting or mixed martial arts (I don’t know the difference) and there are money troubles involved. Edgerton is more of a family man, Hardy is a loner who really doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s good side. They both enter into this fighting tournament to win the money they need. Nolte is Hardy’s trainer despite how clearly Hardy is fucking pissed at Nolte for a myriad of reasons from their past. None of them had been in touch ahead of the tournament. It’s all so damn exciting!

There is very little in the way of backing music here, which helps to keep everything grounded and serious. Although it’s not all silent, what little music there is happens to be very subtle and understated. This is also a very well shot flick, the angles and the cinematography suits the story well and forces audience discomfort where it is called for. There is a lot of build-up for the big event and I’d say it’s very well done, we really get a great glimpse into the lives of the two brothers before the tournament, both with training and personal interactions.

All in all, I do love this movie. I would liken it to Rocky, but I think that would be doing it a disservice. It’s more than just an MMA Balboa, there is a lot more going on in the plot than any of the Rocky movies really did in my opinion. It really isn’t some inspirational underdog kind of story, don’t come into it expecting that at all. This is more about family drama and hardship building up that culminates with people straight up fighting. All in all, so good.

So. Good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The Devil you know, is better that the Devil you don’t.”