The Unbreakable Boy – Film Review

Jon Gunn’s The Unbreakable Boy attempts to blend emotional warmth, faith-based storytelling, and a real-life tale of perseverance. Adapted from Scott Michael LeRette’s memoir The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love, the film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) as he navigates the challenges and joys of raising his son Austin (Jacob Laval), a boy with brittle bone disease and autism. Despite its admirable intentions and moments of genuine emotion, the film struggles with inconsistent pacing and a tendency toward sentimental excess.

At the heart of The Unbreakable Boy is Scott LeRette, a father who is both flawed and deeply devoted. The film follows his journey as he tries to balance his own struggles with alcoholism and personal shortcomings while being there for his son. Austin is portrayed as an endlessly optimistic and joyous child, whose unique perspective on life is both inspiring and challenging for those around him. Scott’s wife, Teresa (Meghann Fahy), provides stability and unwavering support.

One of the more unique aspects of the film is the inclusion of Scott’s imaginary friend, Joe (Drew Powell). While this creative choice aims to provide insight into Scott’s internal struggles, it sometimes feels like an unnecessary addition, occasionally distracting from the more compelling father-son dynamic.

Zachary Levi delivers a strong performance as Scott, capturing both his charisma and vulnerability. He effectively portrays a man torn between his love for his family and his personal demons. Levi’s comedic background also lends itself well to moments of levity, making Scott a relatable and engaging protagonist.

Jacob Laval is equally impressive as Austin, bringing warmth and authenticity to the role. His portrayal avoids caricature, instead emphasizing Austin’s genuine enthusiasm for life. Laval’s chemistry with Levi is the backbone of the film, creating some of its most heartfelt moments.

Meghann Fahy’s Teresa is a solid, if somewhat underdeveloped, character. While she provides a strong moral center for the story, her arc is overshadowed by Scott’s internal struggles. Patricia Heaton adds a grounded presence as Marcia, though she is underutilized.

While The Unbreakable Boy excels in individual moments of tenderness and humor, its overall structure feels disjointed. The film often jumps between tones—one moment heartfelt and grounded, the next overly sentimental or forced in its messaging. Gunn’s direction leans into melodrama, occasionally to the detriment of more organic storytelling.

The film also struggles with pacing. Some scenes linger too long, while others rush through key emotional beats. Austin’s experiences could have been explored with more depth, but the film frequently shifts focus back to Scott’s struggles. While Scott’s arc is engaging, it sometimes comes at the expense of fully realizing Austin’s story.

Additionally, the inclusion of faith-based themes, while not overwhelming, sometimes feels more like an obligatory element rather than an organic part of the narrative. The film tries to appeal to both general audiences and faith-driven viewers, resulting in an occasionally muddled tone.

The cinematography on display here captures both intimate family moments and sweeping shots that emphasize Austin’s joyous outlook on life. The musical score complements the film’s emotional beats but occasionally leans into excessive sentimentality.

Despite its beautiful presentation, the film follows a fairly predictable formula. It doesn’t take many risks, often relying on familiar tropes of inspirational family dramas. While this isn’t necessarily a flaw for viewers seeking a feel-good story, it does limit the film’s impact.

Jon Gunn’s The Unbreakable Boy mostly succeeds in delivering a touching story about resilience, love, and family. Zachary Levi and Jacob Laval’s performances elevate the material, making the father-son relationship the film’s strongest asset. However, inconsistent pacing, heavy-handed storytelling, and an overreliance on sentimentality prevent the film from fully reaching its potential.

For those seeking an uplifting drama with strong performances and a heartfelt message, The Unbreakable Boy delivers enough emotional moments to make it worthwhile. However, viewers looking for a more nuanced or deeply layered exploration of its themes may find it lacking.