One of Zac Efron’s most compelling performances has landed on Netflix, and it’s a dramatic departure from his cheerful High School Musical era.

The Hollywood star features in the R-rated sports drama,The Iron Claw, sharing the screen with acclaimed actors Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) and Stanley Simons (Rocky’s).

First released in 2023, this biographical film draws inspiration from the heartbreaking story of the Von Erich brothers, who carved their names into wrestling history throughout the 1980s.

Efron takes on the role of Kevin, one of the siblings who achieved fame as a professional wrestler, whilst Dickinson plays David, White assumes the character of Kerry and Simons portrays Mike.

The family endured a series of devastating losses, which became known as the ‘Von Erich Curse.’ This sports drama, directed by Sean Durkin, explores both their athletic achievements and their supposedly “cursed” personal lives.

It boasts an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers awarding it an outstanding 94%.

Film critics praised the biographical drama in their consensus, declaring: “Powerfully acted and profoundly sad, The Iron Claw honours its fact-based story with a dramatization whose compassionate exploration of family ties is just as hard-hitting as its action in the wrestling ring.”

Audiences similarly raved about the flick, with one writing: “It’s rare to get such an emotionally powerful movie that’s this entertaining and well paced.

“On the surface, it looks like a movie about wrestling but it goes so much deeper into themes pain/loss, purpose, generational sin, family, and the weight of great expectations. Zac Efron delivers his best performance in this film while surrounded by an amazing cast of supporting actors.”

Despite these glowing reviews, The Iron Claw is not for the faint-hearted.

One IMDb user wrote about its emotional impact: “The Iron Claw is incredible yet devastating. It’s an emotionally haunting film that is going to stick with me for a while.”

Another enthusiast on Google reviews praised the film, stating: “A sombre yet explosive, near flawless piece of cinema that is hands down the best sports drama since 2015’s Creed!”

And another viewer cautioned: “Be prepared that it’s more sad than uplifting, although that shouldn’t deter you from watching. It’s well done.”

The Iron Claw is streaming now on Netflix