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Embattled

2020

Nick Sarkisov

Stephen Dorff, Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison, Darren Mann ...

5.8

407

Action. Drama A son aspires to follow in his famous MMA father's footsteps, but along his journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle, if possible, that his father has continued.

	Media	Author	Review
		Guy Lodge Variety	"Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann commit valiantly to this unsubtle father-son MMA drama, but there's more physicality than psychology here."
		Michael Ordoña Los Angeles Times	"Starting with a smart, heartfelt script by David McKenna ('American History X'), the movie builds a textured investigation into toxic masculinity and its long-range effects."
		Derek Smith Slant	"The film muddies its sense of moral righteousness by suggesting that violence and vengeance can only be defeated by more of the same (...) Rating: ★★ (out of 4)"
		Ben Kenigsberg The New York Times	"When it’s showing its sensitive side, the film (...) unexpectedly shines"
		Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter	"The talented actor [Dorff], while delivering a fiercely compelling performance, is let down by the formulaic screenplay by David McKenna"
		Jared Mobarak The Film Stage	"I was hooked pretty much from the first scene (...) Many of the stops will seem familiar, but the ways in which they’re experienced are authentic and perhaps even surprising"
		Michael Ordoña Los Angeles Times	"As an MMA actioner, 'Embattled' is an exciting, scrappy brawler. But as a moving family drama, it’s a contender."
		Leslie Felperin The Guardian	"Surprisingly insightful film (...) Part classic montage-showdown sports movie, part southern gothic Oedipal family drama, this decidedly peculiar but oddly compelling film is the proverbial curate’s egg (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)"

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