UK 2019
Opening May 1, 2019
Directed by: Stephen Merchant
Writing credits: Stephen Merchant
Principal actors: Florence Pugh, Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden
This movie is not just for the fans of wrestling, but deserves a much broader audience. It tells the true story of Saraya-Jade Bevis, who grew up in a family of professional wrestlers in Norwich, England, and became famous under the name of Paige in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Writer-director and comedian Stephen Merchant (The Office) tells Paige's story of an outsider, chasing the dream of her life, with warmth and wit. British shooting star Florence Pugh (Lady Macbeth) is Paige, who, together with her brother Zak (Jack Lowden), wins the invitation to try out for the WWE, but only Paige gets the place in the highly competitive training program. She is now on her own in this unforgiving world of show business. Most of her competitors are beauties from the cheerleader and model world, so, with her British accent and unconventional looks she sticks out like a sore thumb. Challenged by her coach (Vince Vaughn), she is tempted more than once to give up, but how could she possibly let down her family? Wrestling superstar, The Rock Dwayne Johnson, who also comes from a wrestling family, plays himself in a supporting role in this heart-warming drama, and co-produced this movie. 108 minutes. (Ulrike L.)