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One of the greatest sports documentaries ever made, Beyond the Mat, is now streaming on Netflix. The 1999 film takes us behind-the-scenes of the world of professional wrestling, giving audiences a harrowing look at the pain, trauma, and camaraderie that fuels wrestlers in and out of the ring. The film is considered a bittersweet homage to the sport and is unflinching in its depiction of the darker side of the business.
Beyond the Mat is comedy writer Barry W. Blaustein’s love letter to the sport of wrestling. From the get go, he acknowledges a life-long obsession with wrestling. He is attracted to wrestling’s carnal approach to storytelling, but is equally fascinated by the personalities attracted to the grueling life style. Blaustein interviews everyone from Vince McMahon to wannabe wrestling stars in the doc, but the most memorable part of Beyond the Mat are the dueling portraits of two wrestling legends: Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Mick Foley.
Jake “The Snake” Roberts was and still is a visceral force in wrestling. Known for his cult of personality and love of literal live snakes, he was a bad boy of the ring. When Blaustein follows Roberts on the road, we learn that he has been blighted by drug addiction, emotional trauma, and domestic violence. At one point, he even smokes crack on camera. However the most tragic sequence is one in which he tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. She is understandably skeptical that Roberts is prepared to care for her, or even himself.
Making this portrait all the more disturbing is how Blaustein contrasts it with Mick Foley. Beyond the Mat finds Foley at the height of his wrestling career, but dealing with an emotional crossroads. Known for taking inhuman hits for the entertainment of the crowd, Foley is torn between his love of wrestling and his love for his family. In fact, Foley seems to come to an epiphany about his career when Blaustein shows him footage from the unfinished doc where his two small children are sobbing in horror at the sight of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson brutalizing him in a Pay-Per-View.
Beyond the Mat is a gripping look at a misunderstood industry. It celebrates the art of professional wrestling while also examining the ethics of sport’s culture. It’s a must-see for wrestling fans and cinephiles alike, and now that it’s on Netflix, it’s easier to watch than ever before.
