Watch Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro

Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro is a gritty and emotional documentary about the life and career of Ian Hodgkinson, better known to his fans as Vampiro. Directed by Michael Paszt, the film follows Vampiro as he navigates the highs and lows of a life spent in the world of professional wrestling. The movie begins with a glimpse into Vampiro's early life, growing up in a tough neighborhood in Canada. Through interviews with family and friends, we learn how his love of punk music and skateboarding eventually led him to the world of wrestling. It's clear from the beginning that Vampiro is a complex character, with a troubled past and a fierce determination to succeed.

As the documentary moves forward, we see Vampiro rise to fame in wrestling promotions around the world. From Mexico to Japan to the United States, he becomes a fan favorite, known for his unique look and intense in-ring performances. Along the way, we meet a cast of colorful characters, including fellow wrestlers and promoters, who provide insight into the brutal world of pro wrestling.

However, despite his success in the ring, Vampiro struggles with addiction and personal demons. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of his life, including his battles with drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues. Through interviews with Vampiro himself, we get a glimpse into the toll that his hard-living lifestyle took on him, both physically and mentally.

Despite these challenges, Vampiro never loses his passion for wrestling. The film highlights some of the most memorable moments of his career, including his epic battles with rival wrestler Sting and his appearance in the cult classic film, "The Wrestler." We see how Vampiro's commitment to the sport has sustained him through the toughest of times and helped him achieve a level of success that few wrestlers ever experience.

In the latter half of the movie, we see Vampiro face one of his biggest challenges yet: a life-threatening illness that threatens to end his career and his life. Through a series of surgeries and intense physical rehabilitation, we see Vampiro fight his way back to the ring, determined to prove to himself and his fans that he still has what it takes.

The film also explores Vampiro's personal life, including his relationship with his daughter and his attempts to reconnect with his estranged father. These personal moments add depth and emotional weight to the documentary, highlighting the real-life struggles that Vampiro faces outside of the ring.

Overall, Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro is a powerful and compelling documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional wrestling. With its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of Vampiro's struggles, it is a must-see for any fan of the sport. Whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or simply interested in the human side of sports, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.