In today’s episode, we go on a Solo Movie Date to see The Smashing Machine.
We talk through The Smashing Machine and unpack its performances, story, and Safdie’s signature style.
We also discuss the new Taylor Swift album “The Life of a Showgirl,” Josh Safdie’s Timothée Chalamet–starring ping pong movie Marty Supreme, and Bad Bunny playing the Super Bowl, plus my failed attempt to get to Glasgow.
So get comfy and let’s jump into our Solo Movie Date.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Solo Movie Dates
01:00 The Life of a Showgirl
04:52 Marty Supreme
05:47 Bad Bunny Super Bowl
06:44 Solo Movie Date
13:13 The Smashing Machine Recap
THE SMASHING MACHINE
The Smashing Machine (2025) is a gritty biographical sports drama directed, written, and co-produced by Benny Safdie. The film stars Dwayne Johnson in a transformative performance as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr, chronicling his meteoric rise in the late 1990s, his battles with addiction, and the emotional strain on his relationship with Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt).
Featuring supporting roles from Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk, and shot on 16mm film with a score by Nala Sinephro, The Smashing Machine captures the chaos and vulnerability behind the cage. It premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where Safdie won the Silver Lion, and was released in theaters by A24. In cinemas now.
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