Academy award-winning editor, William Goldenberg, last worked on an inspirational sports drama with Ben Affleck’s Air just last year in 2023. Bringing that similar inspiring energy to the director’s chair, Goldenberg premiered his feature debut, Unstoppable, at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Reliably, the film, which is based on the true story of collegiate wrestler Anthony Robles, follows the standard sports drama formula with an arousing performance from Jharrel Jerome. It doesn’t break any barriers, but Unstoppable is a heartfelt journey for the whole family.
Jerome stars as Anthony Robles, a young Black wrestler who was born without a right leg. Despite his disability, Robles never let this prohibit him from chasing his dreams of becoming a champion one day. Thanks to his support system in his mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and high-school coach Bobby Williams (Michael Peña), all his dreams are possible. However, there are a few things standing in his way. Anthony must decide which school to attend when his number one choice doesn’t choose him. Second, he must find the strength to overcome his emotionally abusive step-father Rick (Bobby Cannavale). Most importantly, Anthony must believe in himself.
Unstoppable is grounded, even if formulaic.
Goldenberg’s sports drama, Unstoppable, is the classic feel-good story that we all crave every once in a while. Mostly heartwarming and at times formulaic, this is a movie about perseverance and defying all the odds stacked against you. Beyond the standard structure is a story grounded in reality when it comes to being disadvantaged in life. Remarkably, this isn’t a comment on Anthony’s disability. Rather, the script, written by John Hindman, Eric Champnella, and Alex Harris takes us on a journey of domestic violence and the pressures Anthony felt to step up as the man in the house, picking up the slack from Rick.
These simple additions make the script relatable and realistic, even when it leans into cheesy and overly cliched territory. Moreover, when Anthony begins to struggle mentally, the team behind this inspiring story never center his disability as the problem. Rather, it’s a mental battle against himself—with not feeling good enough while having to face such heavy problems as a young adult. Unstoppable has all the ingredients that a standard biopic contains, but these additives create layers that feel human and help us to connect emotionally.
Jharrel Jerome leads a great cast with a beautiful performance.
As the story progresses, the film settles into its rhythm and balances the emotional backbone of this story with the excitement of wrestling. While not the most popular sport among the masses, this film alone shows just how thrilling it can be. With his directing, Goldenberg gives us a glimpse of the physical demands while also spotlighting the gift that is Jharrel Jerome. It almost feels as if this script was written to support his massive talent. Jerome’s physical performance pairs beautifully with his emotions, giving rise to 123 minutes that are well worth the watch.
Other standout performances come from Jennifer Lopez through a fierce supporting role as a mother who will do all she can for her kids to thrive and Don Cheadle. His first moment on screen brings the hefty soul that a script like this requires. He doesn’t just bring that energy. He dominates and surpasses it.
William Goldenberg’s star-studded sports drama may follow the typical formula of the genre, but it did exactly what it was supposed to do. With stunning direction to highlight the physicality of wrestling and several emotional themes, Unstoppable is that feel-good movie we’ll never tire of craving. The film contains an exceptional performance from Jharrel Jerome, and convincing support cast members do beautiful jobs as well. The real triumph here is the simple reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
