Sean Durkin's new film "The Iron Claw" doesn't just depict one tragedy — it depicts multiple. The fictionalized account of the legendary Von Erich wrestling family's rise also covers the heartbreaking demise of four of five Von Erich brothers, who all died young under shocking circumstances (though in real life, there was a sixth brother who met a similar fate).
With so much death in one movie, it's a feat that "The Iron Claw" doesn't end on a grim note — though at first, it seems like it might.
As the movie nears the end of its runtime, only two brothers, Kevin (Zac Efron) and Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) remain. Kerry has been struggling with addiction and depression, and Kevin is worried about him after Kerry called him in the middle of the night telling him about his intention to hurt himself.
Before Kevin can save him, Kerry returns to the family ranch and shoots himself in the chest with the same gun he gave his father the previous Christmas.
After following Kerry home, Kevin is overcome with rage when he realizes what has happened. He attacks his father, who arrives at the scene soon after. Finally, he stops and turns his attention to his fallen brother. He picks Kerry up, carries him into the house, and places him on the dining room table.
What happens next is a fitting, bittersweet ending that prevents the movie from ending on a dour note.
Jump cut to Kerry, who, despite being an amputee at the end of his life, now seemingly has both feet. He gets in a row boat and begins cruising down a creek. There are three people on a dock in the distance: his brothers Jack Jr., David, and Mike.
Kerry is in heaven with his brothers. They all embrace and walk off the dock.
We cut back to Kevin crying over Kerry's body. Without his brothers, he's empty inside.
In the final scene, Kevin sits outside watching his two sons playing in the yard. When they see their father crying, they comfort him. Kevin may not have his brothers anymore, but they say they'll be his brothers now.
Sean Durkin wanted to show the brothers in a "pure state"
Durkin told Business Insider that when he showed the movie to the real Kevin Von Erich and his family, the scene of the boys meeting in heaven received a powerful reaction from Kevin's children.
"They were all crying and couldn't believe it," Durkin said of the scene. "Kevin's daughter actually told me they talked about visualizing that their whole lives, which I didn't know."
The director said he wanted to show the brothers in a peaceful environment.
"It's a way to reunite the brothers and have them in a pure state, where they can be with each other in a way that they weren't maybe allowed to be in life," he said.
"The Iron Claw" is now playing in theaters.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or has had thoughts of harming themself or taking their own life, get help. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations. Help is also available through the Crisis Text Line — just text "HOME" to 741741. The International Association for Suicide Prevention offers resources for those outside the US.
