Unstoppable

Marking William Goldenberg’s directorial debut, Unstoppable recounts the remarkable story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defied all odds to win the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championships in the 125-pound weight class. Jharrel Jerome delivers a powerful performance as Robles, supported by Jennifer Lopez as his devoted mother, Judy, alongside Don Cheadle and Michael Peña as his college and high school coaches, respectively. With Robles himself contributing as a producer, the film thoughtfully captures his wrestling journey from high school victories to collegiate challenges, highlighting his relentless determination to achieve his dreams despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

In classic sports-drama fashion, Unstoppable celebrates themes of perseverance and resilience, but manages to sidestep the most common clichés that often weigh down such narratives. Rather than beginning with a predictable montage of struggle, the story opens with Robles already triumphant, fresh from a state championship victory and on the brink of a full-ride scholarship at Drexel University. The film eschews the usual romantic subplot, instead focusing on Robles’s profound and layered connections with his mother and mentors. These relationships unfold with thoughtful complexity, steering clear of the “pep talk” trope; rather, both Robles’s mother and coach express vulnerability and doubt, apologising to Robles for their own limitations in believing in him. Giving due credit to Robles’s intrinsic motivation, Goldenberg presents him as a determined individual whose strength comes from within rather than being ignited by others’ encouragement.

Jerome’s portrayal shines in the intense wrestling scenes, where he skillfully captures both the physical and emotional demands of the sport, with Robles himself serving as his body double to add an extra layer of authenticity. In contrast, Lopez’s portrayal of Judy’s devotion to her son often feels overly dramatic, occasionally disrupting the otherwise grounded tone of the film. However, her character’s tumultuous relationship with Rich (Bobby Cannavale), her abusive partner, is notably more nuanced and compelling, adding depth to her character’s emotional struggles.

While Unstoppable may not reach the transformative heights of genre standouts, its sincerity and avoidance of trivialised character arcs set it apart as one of the more heartfelt sports biopics. Goldenberg’s direction brings a refreshing authenticity, allowing the story’s emotional core to resonate without overdramatisation. Robles’s journey – less relatable than it is remarkable – nonetheless emerges as a powerful testament to human resilience. Anchored by Jharrel Jerome’s standout performance, Unstoppable celebrates its real-life hero on his own terms, delivering an engaging, family-friendly watch.

Christina Yang

Unstoppable is released nationwide on 6^th December 2024.

Watch the trailer for Unstoppable here: