From the first time I saw the trailers, I wanted in.
Firstly, it’s dramedy about the WWE wrestler Paige and her journey through its ranks. Secondly it’s written and directed by Stephen Merchant. And it features Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Fighting With My Family feels like it already has a lot going for it. And with up-and-coming actor Florence Pugh in the ring, it seems like this film is going to be a goddamn smackdown.
But what is it that we can smell cooking?
Well whatever it is, it’s 100% on the same level as whatever The Rock is cooking! Taking Paige’s story, we’re given a loveable and dramedic romp through the dreams of a family and their lofty aspirations to make it to the WWE.
Pugh leads the way, as we watch a young woman fight with her family. While it may not be physical, it’s a trek through the cost of other people’s lives and our own perceptions. We see this sense of dysfunction layer itself on top of what the “norm” would already assume is dysfunctional.
All the while as action and comedy wraps itself around the tale.
An expertly cast Bevis-family sees Lena Heady and Nick Frost portray parents Julia and Patrick, with Jack Lowden as brother Zak, who acts as a parallel to Paige’s story. Vince Vaughn, who I feel I just haven’t seen in a long time, stars as the potentially fictional (and definitely is) Hutch Morgan. They exists as a means to show off the determination Paige had to get to the top (of which her real life rise is even more bonkers). Yes, The Rock is there because he’s a savvy businessman, serving as a modern link between Norwich and the bright lights of the WWE.
Merchant’s sharp timing and delivery shine behind the camera, turning a surreal story into something that feels like destiny. Sweeping shots and beautiful transitions bounce us off the ropes of Paige’s amazing tale, that leads us to the ultimate showdown of her ego versus id.
Because when the count comes, Fighting With My Family delivers the pin and we’ll all feel like winners at the end.
Fighting With My Family may just be the very the best film about wrestling that lives up to the moniker of the "classic representative of the sport" film.
Heartfelt, funny and familial, when Paige declares "This is MY house!", you'll see why she invited us all in.
