A Touching Journey Overshadowed by Off-Screen Drama
MOVIE REVIEW
The Unbreakable Boy
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 49m
Director(s): Jon Gunn
Writer(s): Jon Gunn
Cast: Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew Powell, Patricia Heaton
Where To Watch: only in theaters February 21, 2025
RAVING REVIEW: THE UNBREAKABLE BOY delivers a heartfelt story that embraces optimism in the face of adversity, centering on the journey of a young boy and the family that learns to maneuver through life’s challenges alongside him. Austin, a child diagnosed with autism and brittle bone disease, approaches the world with an infectious joy that shapes the lives of those around him. His parents, played by Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy, struggle to adjust at first but ultimately find strength in their son’s resilience. The film leans into themes of love, perseverance, and the idea that happiness can exist even in life’s toughest moments.
The decision to cast autistic actors to portray Austin at different stages of his life gives this story a greater sense of legitimacy. Hollywood has a long history of misrepresenting neurodivergent characters, so seeing a production take steps toward genuine representation is a welcome change. That commitment adds a layer of sincerity to the film’s core, making it feel less like a Hollywood drama and more like a personal story unfolding on screen.
The soft lighting and intimate camerawork bring closeness, making key moments feel even more personal. While this style works in many instances, there are moments when the film veers too far into sentimentality, softening the more complex realities of autism and brittle bone disease. A slightly more restrained approach could have strengthened its impact, letting the story’s emotional weight carry the film rather than emphasizing it through heightened aesthetics.
The performances across the board fit well within the film’s tone. Levi takes on the role of a father trying to find his way, offering an earnest, if predictable, performance. Fahy provides a solid balance, bringing a quiet strength that complements the film’s more emotional beats. In a supporting role, Peter Facinelli adds a grounded presence that helps shape the film’s exploration of personal growth. While none of these performances break new ground, they serve their purpose well, ensuring that the emotional center remains intact. However, as 13-year-old Austin, Jacob Laval steals the spotlight in the film; the pure joy and heart in his performance make the film succeed. To a lesser extent (but still important,) Kellen Martelli, as the younger Austin, also did a great job.
Zachary Levi has done a fantastic job of making himself a walking PR disaster, and it’s impossible to ignore how much that taints the film. His off-screen antics aren’t just questionable—they’re downright reckless. From spouting negative conspiracy theories about vaccines to engaging with damaging rhetoric, Levi has alienated audiences left and right, making it hard to watch him without the baggage of his opinions weighing down every scene. Let’s not pretend this is some innocent case of an actor speaking his mind. His words actively cause harm, and he doubles down instead of backing off. If he doesn’t want to be unbiased, then neither will I. Just days ago, he made a plea about people losing their jobs—except the “good people” he’s worried about are Trump voters, and the “job losses” he’s lamenting are the direct result of Elon Musk and Trump making mass cuts under the guise of saving money. Maybe instead of spewing half-baked talking points, he should try researching the issues he’s desperate to comment on.
That being said, the film itself is a well-meaning and thoughtful exploration of resilience. Where it stumbles is in simplifying some of the more nuanced aspects of life with autism and brittle bone disease. While it delivers an uplifting message, it occasionally glosses over the real struggles of these conditions, opting for a neater, more digestible narrative. There’s an opportunity to dive deeper into Austin’s internal experiences, allowing the film to offer a fuller perspective rather than focusing on how his presence impacts those around him.
Even with its flaws, THE UNBREAKABLE BOY is undeniably sincere. It doesn’t aim to revolutionize storytelling, but it doesn’t have to. At its core, it explores perseverance, family, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected joys. While some aspects could have been refined for a stronger emotional impact, the film delivers on its intent, offering a feel-good experience that leaves an impression.
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[photo courtesy of KINGDOM STORY COMPANY, LIONSGATE]
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