A first look has been released at Andrew T. Hunt’s The Fight Machine, ahead of its world premiere in the Septentrion Shadows section of Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival.

Based on the novel The Fighter by Rust & Bone‘s Craig Davidson, The Fight Machine stars Greg Hovanessian, Dempsey Bryk, Natasha Henstridge, Michael Ironside, and Greg Bryk – the latter of whom joins his real-life son as part of the onscreen father-son duo. Hunt previously directed Spare Parts and Sweet Karma.

The Fight Machine centres on Paul Harris (Hovanessian), a man leading a sheltered existence. The son of a rich winery owner, Paul’s clothes, cars, and home are paid for, and his career inheriting the family business is assured. He has long been insulated from the rough realities of life, at least until a vicious barroom beating sets him down a new path.

Elsewhere, Rob Tully (Dempsey Bryk) also feels that his life is on a set course. A born boxer with natural talent from a working-class background, Rob trains with his father, Reuben (Greg Bryk), and his uncle Tommy (Noah Dalton Danby), both of whom believe that harnessing a gift like his has the potential to change their lives. Rob, however, is unsure about his ambitions for the future.

So, while Paul descends into the world of hardcore bodybuilders and boxing gyms, Rob struggles with his family’s expectations. These men’s paths will lead to The Barn, an underground fight venue where vicious and hopeless men fight for money, and to each other.

The Fight Machine debuts July 27th at Fantasia.