The Smashing Machine

The film lacks any clear LGBTQ+ representation. The central romantic relationship is strictly heterosexual, shown through the tumultuous and dependent bond between Mark Kerr and Dawn. There are no characters who don't identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, and the story doesn't touch on queer themes or identities.

Emily Blunt’s character, Dawn, provides emotional support but mostly reacts to Kerr’s actions. The film reinforces the idea of the 'troubled male genius' whose chaos is managed by a female partner, failing to challenge traditional gender hierarchies or give the female lead a strong role in driving the story.

The cast is mainly white, with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt taking the lead roles. Actors of color have minor roles that don’t significantly affect the main story. The film doesn’t delve into racial dynamics or systemic racism, focusing instead on universal themes of addiction and fame.

Safdie’s intense direction criticizes the exploitation of athletes’ bodies in sports, portraying Kerr’s physicality as a site of abuse. The depiction of the 1990s MMA scene highlights the lack of regulation and harsh realities, challenging sanitized sports biopic narratives without directly criticizing Western institutions.

The film tackles addiction and mental health, particularly opioid dependency, viewed as an invisible disability. Kerr’s struggle is shown honestly, avoiding inspirational stories by depicting the severe consequences, though it portrays addiction as a personal flaw rather than a systemic issue.