Not to be confused with Denzel Washington’s 2010 runaway train thriller – or the lesser known 2004 outing from Wesley Snipes – Unstoppable, which marks the directorial debut of editor William Goldenberg, whose credits include such titles as Coyote Ugly, Miami Vice and Air, is a by-the-numbers sports drama that lives by its inspirational hook. Though it may not necessarily break new ground narratively, there’s no denying that this inspired-by-a-true-story drama has a distinct enough story to form its own personality, with the subject at its centre a figure worthy of praise and filmic focus.
Anthony Robles (who also serves as one of the film’s producers, alongside the likes of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) is an American wrestler who won the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championship in the 125-pound weight class, despite being born with only one leg. The reasons for such an affliction are unknown, but Robles refused any prosthetic assistance, and it’s that fierce strain of tenacity that drives his ambition, which is reflected in Jharrel Jerome‘s lived-in performance. The film manages a balancing act between Robles’ insistence on maintaining a presence in wrestling and his home-life, most of which is marred by the abusive mentality of his stepfather, Rich (an effective Bobby Cannavale).
A supporting company in that home life and his biggest cheerleader as a wrestler is his mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez in a strong turn that could charm voters come awards season), who consistently encourages his blossoming career – even when he wants to throw in the towel – and takes the hits (both literally and metaphorically) at home, hoping she can sway Rich off from his belittling criticisms. The domestic aspect of the story is almost enough of a wholly formed narrative in itself, and though Goldenberg never sugarcoats the abuse that Judy (predominantly) endures, Unstoppable is smart enough to not exploit such a traumatic trigger.
With the real-life Robles serving as not only a producer, but allowing his book, “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion”, to be adapted and further serve as Jerome’s stunt double, it’s evident that the Eric Champnella–Alex Harris–John Hindman– penned script has treated his life story with respect. And it’s that mentality that elevates the film beyond the beats it hits as a standard sports drama. It’s also through Robles’ stunt-work that Unstoppable garners an edge over fellow genre entrants, not only in furthering the authenticity of his story, but complementing Jerome’s fierce performance, whose dedication to honouring both Robles as a person and as a defiant athlete is unmatched.
And though it’s Judy that is the most stable, consistent figure in Anthony’s life as we see on screen – and Lopez, who so often doesn’t get the flowers she deserves as an actress, is really terrific here, wading in a more emotional subtlety throughout – we’re thankful as an audience (as I’m sure Anthony is) that Rich isn’t the sole male “role model” he has, with Michael Peña and Don Cheadle both delivering fine, heartfelt turns as a duo of coaches that intertwine across Anthony’s wrestling career.
With both Anthony and Judy still being alive, there’s also a nice sense of warmth and resolution to the film, as they’re telling this story and, as we see prior to the end credits, have achieved a multitude of accolades that sees Unstoppable almost serve as a culmination of their endurance against an endless stack of odds. Had this not been based on a true story it may be viewed with a little more cynicism, but, even in a genre that’s particularly crowded, Unstoppable is no less powerful and rousing, with Jerome winning our hearts at every turn.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Unstoppable is screening as part of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, running between September 5th and 15th, 2024. For more information about the festival, head to the official site here.
Unstoppable is coming soon to Prime Video.
