Interview: Maura Tierney Discusses Her Matriarchal Role in ‘The Iron Claw’

While The Iron Claw is a testosterone fueled film, and obviously concerned with toxic masculinity, don’t sleep on the Von Erich family matriarch. Played by Maura Tierney, Doris Von Erich is quiet, but contains a deep well of emotion. Her son Kevin, played by Zac Efron, has that as well, which becomes an understated connection towards the end of the movie. This is a very underrated performance this season, so while doing the press junket for the flick, a conversation with Tierney was high on my list. She did not disappoint.

In my rave review of the movie, found here, I had the following to say about the cast:

Zac Efron has never been better, turning in one of the year’s very best performances. He shows you the utter decency of this man, as well as the paranoia that his family, who he loves with all his heart, is cursed. The chemistry he has with his siblings too is something to behold. Efron has always been underrated as an actor, full of charisma and charm, but here he puts it all together. Also delivering terrific work is Jeremy Allen White as the most tortured of the brothers. He has the most intense role and he delivers, including in a scene that had gasps in my premiere screening. White is a heavyweight, to be sure, and this is more evidence of it. Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons have less screen time, but they don’t waste a moment of it. The former wears the weight of being the chosen one of the lot, while the latter shows his passion for music in a beautiful scene. The male central characters are rounded out by patriarch Holt McCallany, who intimidates while also showing his love for his family. That dichotomy is wonderfully displayed, as this is one of the more complex characters of the year. As for the women, Lily James is rock solid as the outsider, while Maura Tierney does so much as the matriarch with just her eyes. A certain scene that’s repeated throughout the film will wreck you. Supporting turns here also include the likes of Kevin Anton, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Michael Harney, and more.

Below, you can hear my chat with Tierney. We didn’t have a lot of time, but I was curious about her experience making this movie. She was very funny during the Q&A I had attended for the film, and we reference it here, but she really knows her character. Tierney, without question, deserves to work so much more, so hopefully this is a springboard to some real high profile roles going forward. She’s just that good. Once you see The Iron Claw in a few days, I suspect you’ll agree…

Here now is my interview with The Iron Claw co-star Maura Tierney. Enjoy:

The Iron Claw is in theaters this weekend!