The Iron Claw

As the curtains draw open on the cinematic spectacle, we're transported to a world of grapples and grappling bodies. Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), aka Jack Adkisson, struts his stuff in the wrestling ring, flexing his signature "Iron Claw" move with precision and panache. After the match, he reunites with his family - wife Doris (Maura Tierney) and their brood of boys: Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike. The tension is palpable as Fritz promises to splurge on the best for his loved ones, but Doris harbors misgivings about his lavish spending habits.

Fast-forward a few years, and we find Kevin (Zac Efron) following in his father's footsteps, training to become a wrestler himself. Fritz dotes on Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), whose athletic prowess has him poised for Olympic greatness. Meanwhile, David (Harris Dickinson) is already making waves in the ring, while Mike (Stanley Simons) shows a budding talent for music - a passion his father seems hell-bent on suppressing.

As Kevin and David gear up to face off against Bruiser Brody (Cazzey Louis Cereghino) and Gino Hernandez (Ryan Nemeth) at the iconic Sportatorium, old rivalries and new romances begin to simmer. The stage is set for a thrilling tag-team match, with David's Iron Claw move sending shockwaves through the crowd.

Post-match, Kevin finds himself swept up in a whirlwind romance with Pam (Lily James), who shares his concerns about the supposed curse that haunts the Von Erich family - a dark legacy tied to the untimely demise of their eldest brother, Jack Jr. As they bond over their shared fears and insecurities, Pam draws closer to Kevin's side, offering solace in the face of uncertainty.

As the brothers continue to clash with opponents Harley Race (Kevin Anton) and others, Fritz's disappointment in Kevin's performance is tempered by his pride in David's burgeoning talent. Meanwhile, Kerry's Olympic dreams are cruelly dashed by the 1980 boycott, leaving him feeling lost and adrift.

In a bid to lift Kerry's spirits, Fritz prods him toward a career in wrestling alongside Kevin and David. Later, as Mike prepares to take the stage for his music gig, the siblings turn to Pam for help in sneaking out of the house undetected - their parents none the wiser to their nocturnal adventures.

As the 1980s dawned, the Adkisson brothers had already etched their names in the annals of professional wrestling history by defeating the formidable Fabulous Freebirds in a thrilling six-man tag-team competition. Meanwhile, Kevin and Pam exchanged vows, surrounded by friends and family at an intimate reception. However, the joyous occasion was marred when David's unexpected vomiting episode caught Kevin off guard, sparking concern about his brother's well-being.

As it transpired, David's health woes were only just beginning. His subsequent tour in Japan ended abruptly with a devastating diagnosis: a ruptured intestine would ultimately prove fatal. The Adkisson family was left reeling as they mourned the loss of their beloved David at a poignant funeral service.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the world championship title bout between David and Ric Flair (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) was reconfigured to pit Kerry against the wrestling legend. A coin toss decided the fate of the match, with Kerry emerging victorious but visibly troubled by the experience. His subsequent motorcycle accident, resulting in the loss of his right foot, only added to his inner turmoil.

As Kerry struggled to come to terms with his new circumstances, Fritz pushed Kevin to mentor a reluctant Mike into following in their footsteps. Tragedy struck again when Mike suffered a severe shoulder injury during his first match, leading to toxic shock syndrome and a coma that would have far-reaching consequences.

The Adkisson family was once again forced to confront the cruel hand of fate when Mike eventually awakened from his coma, bearing the scars of brain damage. Kevin's conviction that their family was cursed only grew stronger as he witnessed the devastating impact on those around him.

In the aftermath of Mike's death, Kevin became increasingly withdrawn, his relationships with Pam and their young son suffering as a result. A chance to avenge David's untimely passing by facing Ric Flair for the championship title arrived, but Kevin's distant demeanor only intensified as he faced off against his nemesis.

Despite narrowly avoiding defeat at Flair's hands, Kevin managed to overpower the wrestling legend, only to be disqualified for his excessive use of the Iron Claw on Flair's face, a move that had become synonymous with his aggressive style. As the dust settled on this tumultuous chapter in the Adkisson brothers' lives, it was clear that their world would never be the same again.

As Kerry's struggles to find solace continue, Kevin endeavours to lend a helping hand, with Fritz urging his brother-in-law to take the reins of World Class Championship Wrestling. Meanwhile, Fritz is torn between his familial obligations and his desire for Kevin to assume leadership of the organization, despite having another son he is raising with Pam. As Christmas approaches, Kerry joins the family, gifting Fritz a new firearm, but becomes increasingly agitated when Fritz elects to store it away rather than firing it immediately. Kevin valiantly attempts to placate his brother's ire.

In the days that follow, Kerry reaches out to Kevin, confiding in him about the family curse and his own suicidal tendencies. Kevin endeavours to locate his brother, ultimately calling upon Fritz for assistance, but is met with indifference. Undeterred, Kevin pays a visit to their ancestral home the next morning, where he is met with the devastating news of Kerry's self-inflicted gunshot wound. As Kevin frantically attempts to render aid, Fritz arrives on the scene, prompting Kevin to unleash his pent-up fury upon his brother.

In the aftermath, Kerry's spirit finds itself transported to a mystical realm, where he reunites with Mike and David, both adorned in their respective symbols of achievement - Mike's guitar and David's championship belt. The trio is soon joined by Jack Jr., whom they warmly acknowledge as their eldest sibling.

As the narrative unfolds, Kevin prioritizes his family, opting to sell World Class Championship Wrestling to Jerry Jarrett and focus on his loved ones. Doris, meanwhile, begins to channel her creative energies into painting, a hobby that serves as a coping mechanism amidst the dissolution of her marriage to Fritz. The once-united couple's relationship is now irreparably fractured.

In time, Kevin finds solace in the company of his children, who are delighted by their father's presence on the football field. Pam, meanwhile, is expecting their third child, and the family unit appears poised for continued expansion. As Kevin reflects on his circumstances, he becomes overcome with emotion, revealing to his sons that he misses his brothers. The youngsters, sympathetic to their father's plight, reassure him that they will serve as his new brothers, bringing him a measure of comfort.

As the camera pans out, Kevin joins his sons in their game, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment. This poignant portrayal serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Von Erich family, who were posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. Today, they remain one of the most influential families in the world of professional wrestling.

In the present day, Kevin and Pam reside on their sprawling ranch, where they have created a unique living arrangement that accommodates their four children and thirteen grandchildren. A poignant family photo serves as a lasting reminder of this remarkable clan's unwavering commitment to one another.