The Smashing Machine, the Benny Safdie–directed biopic starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed‑martial‑artist Mark Kerr, lands on HBO Max this weekend (Jan. 24–25). Its streaming debut gives viewers a chance to revisit a gritty sports drama that underperformed in theaters but earned attention for its craft — including a Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar nomination.

What’s new: where and when

HBO Max added The Smashing Machine to its weekend slate on Jan. 24, joining other recent streaming premieres. After a modest theatrical run, the film is now widely available to subscribers, and features Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples opposite Johnson’s Kerr.

Who made it and what it’s about

Directed and co‑written by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine chronicles Mark Kerr’s rise from amateur wrestling into the early world of MMA and the UFC. The movie tracks his competitive highs and the toll of the sport: substance abuse, physical punishment, and the strain on his personal life and relationship with Dawn.

Performances and production

Critics have noted strong performances and the film’s immersive representation of the MMA scene. While Johnson’s turn was highlighted in several reviews, coverage shows that the movie’s awards attention skewed toward technical achievements; most notably, it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Why the HBO Max arrival matters

The streaming premiere matters for two reasons: reach and reassessment. As several weekend roundups and streaming guides recommended this title, HBO Max gives The Smashing Machine a second life with audiences who missed its theatrical release. For films that underperformed at the box office, streaming can revive conversation and prompt critical reappraisal.

Industry and fan reaction

Industry observers described the film as having the elements of awards‑worthy drama — complex characters, an ensemble cast, and emotional arcs — but noted it failed to break through during awards season. Fans and streaming editors have started to pick up the title in their weekend watchlists, praising the authenticity of the fight sequences and the film’s darker undercurrents.

What to expect next

  • Immediate: HBO Max subscribers can stream the film now over the Jan. 24–25 weekend.
  • Short term: expect renewed social‑media conversation and more inclusion in editorial streaming roundups as viewers discover or revisit the film.
  • Longer term: while the film’s awards window has largely closed, stronger streaming numbers and positive word‑of‑mouth could keep The Smashing Machine in cultural conversation and attract new audiences to Johnson’s dramatic range.

If you missed it in theaters, this HBO Max debut is a low‑risk way to judge the movie for yourself — and to see why a technically polished, actor‑driven biopic can find a second life on streaming platforms.