It’s a wrestling film but it’s not about wrestling. It’s about family
Director Stephen Merchant believes his new movie is a wrestling film for people who don’t like wrestling.
Produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Fighting With My Family follows the story of Saraya-jade Bevis’s journey to become a WWE star, under the stage name Paige.
Based on the 2012 Channel 4 documentary of the same name, the biopic features Florence Pugh, 23, as Paige, and Scots actor Jack Lowden, 28, as her brother Zak, who also tried out for WWE but failed to make the cut.
Merchant, who co-wrote The Office with Ricky Gervais, struggled to initially muster enthusiasm for the story before eventually being won over.
“When Dwayne sent me the documentary, I didn’t think I’d be interested in a story about wrestling,” says Merchant.
“Until I realised this is not really about wrestling at all, it’s about a young woman, her family and their struggles – which are funny, sad, tough, tender and ultimately inspiring.
“And just happen to involve people in spandex throwing each other about.”
Johnson, however, said he instantly knew Norwich-born Paige’s family dynamic would transfer to the big screen.
He says: “Back in 2012, I was in my hotel room in London and stumbled across a documentary on a local UK channel.
“Not only was I intrigued by this loving and wild family, but I also felt it’s the kind of narrative that would make an amazing movie. I relate to Saraya and her wrestling family on such a personal level and it means so much that I can help tell their story.”
Having worked together on 2010 family hit, Tooth Fairy, Johnson called on Merchant to write the script.
“I love that it’s a true story about a working class girl who, against the odds, climbed to the very top of her unusual profession,” says Merchant. “And as with Rocky and boxing, even if you don’t like her sport, you’ll love her journey.”
Playing the sibling who doesn’t get to fulfil his dreams, Lowden believes the audience will relate to his character’s struggle.
“I play the character who doesn’t make, who doesn’t get to succeed. It was instantly enjoyable and also a heartbreaking thing to explore,” he said at a Sundance Film Festival screening last month.
“I think it’s a massively relatable film.” The UK premiere of Fighting with my Family takes place later this month as part of the Glasgow Film Festival.