2023
The film chronicles the tragic true story of the Von Erich wrestling family, led by patriarch Fritz, who pushes his sons to achieve the wrestling success he never attained, believing in a family curse after the early death of his eldest son, Jack Jr. Kevin, the eldest surviving son, navigates his father's demanding expectations while his brothers David, Kerry, and Mike each pursue wrestling careers, facing immense pressure and personal struggles. The family endures a series of devastating losses as David dies unexpectedly while on tour, Mike suffers a debilitating injury and later dies by suicide, and Kerry, an Olympic hopeful, loses a leg in an accident before also taking his own life. Overwhelmed by grief and the weight of the family's misfortunes, Kevin confronts his father about the business and eventually sells the wrestling promotion, finding solace and a new beginning with his wife Pam and their children, determined to break the cycle of tragedy.
Save the Cat beat sheet
The Iron Claw follows the rise and tribulations of Kevin Von Erich, shaped by family legacy, personal loss, and the brutal world of professional wrestling.
Open full beat sheetKevin Von Erich is listed as Protagonist, eldest surviving son. Athletic, loyal, and sensitive; he struggles to balance his love for his family with his father's intense expectations. In the parsed data, Kevin Von Erich is connected to 53 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
53 scenes / 20 dialogue linesFritz Von Erich is listed as Patriarch and former wrestler. A stern, ambitious, and demanding father who pushes his sons to achieve the wrestling success he never attained. In the parsed data, Fritz Von Erich is connected to 24 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
24 scenes / 9 dialogue linesKerry Von Erich is listed as Third eldest son. An Olympic-level athlete with a magnetic personality who struggles with the pressure of the family legacy. In the parsed data, Kerry Von Erich is connected to 18 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
18 scenes / 3 dialogue linesPam is listed as Kevin's wife. Supportive, independent, and the grounding force in Kevin's life. In the parsed data, Pam is connected to 16 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 68.
16 scenes / 2 dialogue linesMike Von Erich is listed as Youngest son. Musically inclined and less athletic than his brothers, he struggles to find his place in the family. In the parsed data, Mike Von Erich is connected to 16 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 37.
16 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDoris Von Erich is listed as Matriarch. A devout woman who tries to protect her sons through faith while navigating her husband's dominance. In the parsed data, Doris Von Erich is connected to 15 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 44.
15 scenes / 4 dialogue linesDavid Von Erich is listed as Second eldest son. Charismatic and talented, he is groomed to be the next world champion before his untimely death. In the parsed data, David Von Erich is connected to 14 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 19.
14 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJack Jr. is listed as Deceased eldest son. The brother who died in childhood, whose memory haunts the family. In the parsed data, Jack Jr. is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 62.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesFritz Von Erich performs his signature Iron Claw move on an opponent while his young sons Kevin and David watch from the crowd.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von ErichDoris paces in the concourse while pregnant.
Doris Von ErichFritz wins the match and is declared the winner.
Fritz Von ErichFritz sits alone, exhausted after his match.
Fritz Von ErichFritz reunites with his family and surprises them with a new Cadillac.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Doris Von ErichThe family discusses the financial burden of the new car while Fritz explains his philosophy on success.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKevin wakes up early, sore from wrestling.
Kevin Von Erich, David Von ErichThe family home is shown, highlighting their athletic legacy and the memory of Jack Jr.
Kevin runs on the ranch while reflecting on the family curse.
Kevin Von ErichKevin wins the Texas Heavyweight Championship.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von ErichThe family eats breakfast, and Fritz critiques his sons.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichThe family attends church, where Fritz feels uncomfortable.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKevin and David pick up Mike from band practice.
Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Mike Von ErichKevin struggles to record a promo for his upcoming match.
Kevin Von Erich, David Von ErichDavid makes his wrestling debut alongside Kevin.
Kevin Von Erich, David Von ErichKevin meets Pam after the show.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin and Pam have their first date.
Kevin Von Erich, PamFritz tells Kevin he has booked a match against Harley Race.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von ErichKevin fights Harley Race, and David steps in to help.
Kevin Von Erich, David Von ErichThe family watches President Carter's speech about the Olympic boycott.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKerry rides a bus home after the Olympic news.
Kerry Von ErichKerry arrives home and is greeted by his family.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichThe family has a competitive football game and a dinner gathering.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKevin and Pam update their baby's birth certificate to use Kevin's birth name, Adkisson.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin tries to teach Mike wrestling techniques, but Mike struggles.
Kevin Von Erich, Mike Von ErichMike is injured during a tag team match with Kevin.
Kevin Von Erich, Mike Von ErichA doctor informs Fritz and Kevin that Mike is in a coma following surgery.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von ErichKevin sits outside the hospital, processing the news.
Kevin Von ErichKevin talks to Pam on the phone about his guilt.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin struggles to bond with his baby.
Kevin Von Erich, PamMike and Kevin hold a press conference.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Mike Von ErichA tense family dinner where Mike's condition is ignored.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Doris Von Erich, PamKevin watches his new partner Lance wrestle.
Kevin Von ErichKevin sleeps in the office.
Kevin Von ErichKerry fits his prosthetic foot.
Kerry Von ErichKerry struggles to walk with his prosthetic.
Kerry Von ErichMike expresses his fear to Doris.
Mike Von Erich, Doris Von ErichMike struggles to play guitar.
Mike Von ErichMike takes an overdose of pills.
Mike Von ErichKevin and Kerry fight during training.
Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichMike leaves the ranch.
Mike Von ErichThe family finds Mike.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von ErichDoris breaks down over the funeral dress.
Doris Von Erich, PamMike's funeral.
Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Doris Von Erich, PamPam tries to reach out to Kevin.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin works out obsessively.
Kevin Von ErichKevin prepares for a match against Ric Flair.
Kevin Von ErichKevin fights Ric Flair.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKevin and Kerry talk after the match.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKevin returns home to Pam.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin picks up his sons.
Kevin Von ErichKevin and Pam discuss their living situation.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin reviews financial records.
Kevin Von ErichKevin and Bill discuss downsizing.
Kevin Von ErichKevin confronts Fritz about selling the company.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von ErichKerry returns home for Christmas.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Doris Von Erich, PamKevin receives a call from Kerry.
Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKerry talks to Kevin while in a bad state.
Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKevin finds Kerry's body.
Fritz Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKevin places Kerry's body on the table.
Kevin Von Erich, Kerry Von ErichKerry's soul walks through the field.
Kerry Von ErichKerry reunites with his brothers.
David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Jack Jr.Kevin sits alone.
Kevin Von ErichKevin signs over the business.
Kevin Von ErichFritz and Doris sit in silence.
Fritz Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKevin and Pam are together with their children.
Kevin Von Erich, PamFritz returns home to find Doris painting in the kitchen instead of preparing dinner.
Fritz Von Erich, Doris Von ErichKevin and Pam wake up with their sons in bed.
Kevin Von Erich, PamKevin cries while watching his sons play, and they comfort him.
Kevin Von Erich, PamI need to think about my family Dad. I'm almost broke. I need to do what's best for the kids. For our future. We need a house, we can't fit in that apartment anymore.
Today we are here to lay to rest our son Michael Brett Adkisson, my sweet, beautiful boy. Kind, funny and truly good...
Why? So you're the only brother left in the ring? So you get all Daddy's attention. Fuck you.
The only way to beat IT is to be the toughest, the strongest, the most successful.
You are the past, your days are numbered, we are the future of this sport.
I guess cause I used to be a brother, and now I'm not a brother anymore.
Mike, you need to hit the weights more kid, start filling out.
Actually, his last name will be Adkisson. It's my Birth name.
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