'The Unbreakable Boy' review: An inspirational true story that hits all the familiar beats
Courtesy of Lionsgate
“The Unbreakable Boy” is an amicable and occasionally endearing story that follows the typical "based on a true story" formula. While it’s harmless, it doesn’t venture far from routine. This is something we’ve come to expect from Kingdom Story Company, a faith-based studio that has delivered preachy, feel-good hits like “Ordinary Angel” and, more recently, the semi-decent but forgettable “The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with these films; they know their audience, and those who show up can expect a warm, uplifting experience — the kind that always gets glowing exit scores.
“The Unbreakable Boy” sticks to the same formula. It tugs at the heartstrings, features solid performances (especially from lead actor Jacob Laval), and sends viewers off with a sunny disposition there’s still some good left in this misbegotten world. While I’m never opposed to a good message, the execution here, under director Jon Gunn’s guidance, often feels a bit stifled.
The film opens with an overly familiar voiceover from teenager Austin (Laval), who shares his favorite things — Hidden Valley Ranch, Star Wars, and his vast movie collection (a kid after my own heart). He even casually references “Fight Club!,” and we see his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi, “Shazam!”) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy, “The White Lotus”), meet cute in a department store. This leads to a birthing scene where an upbeat Austin quips, “This is where I come in.”
We soon learn that Austin suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a condition that makes his bones incredibly fragile. A simple fall from the couch can result in broken limbs (even his ribs were fractured during childbirth). To add to this, Austin is also autistic, though he doesn’t let it slow him down. He’s a lively, imaginative kid who enjoys wearing a signature court jester hat to school because, as he says, “the chicks dig it.” Laval’s portrayal of Austin is joyous and full of life, which helps carry the film through some of its more sluggish moments, including Gunn’s screenplay adaptation from Scott LeRette’s memoir.
The movie is a heartwarming tale about a family learning to navigate the challenges life throws their way — and how these obstacles can sometimes be hidden blessings. There’s also a faith-based element woven into the narrative, focusing on Scott’s struggle with alcoholism, though it’s handled with less care than one might expect. The film unravels in a choppy, episodic fashion that sometimes undermines the emotional core of its message about overcoming adversity.
Levi has a likable screen presence, despite his off-screen reputation, but he struggles to fully engage with the deeper, more emotional moments of Scott’s journey. As for Fahy, her character is thinly sketched, with her only real trait being a fleeting obsession with video games. It’s mentioned briefly, but it feels underdeveloped — you can’t help but wonder why the filmmakers didn’t explore this more.
In the end, “The Unbreakable Boy” is a perfectly fine movie. It’s important for children who identify with Austin to see themselves reflected in pop culture. However, it’s hard not to wish for something with a little more depth and less cheesiness. The film has its moments, but overall, it leaves you hoping for a stronger, more impactful experience.
Grade: C+
THE UNBREAKABLE BOY is now playing in theaters.
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