The Unbreakable Boy (2025) - Film Review

      The Unbreakable Boy, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Jon Gunn.

      Featuring Zachary Levi, Jacob Laval, Gavin Warren, Meghann Fahy, Bruce Davis, Kellen Martelli, Roy Jackson Miller, Elle Adler, Patricia Heaton, Kellen Martelli, Pilot Bunch, Drew Powell, Todd Terry, Tyrone Betters, Amy Acker, Kevin Downes, and Peter Facinelli.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Austin is a child who has a rare brittle-bone disease as well as autism. What makes Austin stand out is his joyful, humorous, and affirming outlook on life, which has the power to inspire and connect those around him.

      Based on a true story, Jon Gunn’s The Unbreakable Boy includes a moment where the main character, the bone-brittle autistic Austin LaRette (played by a cheerful and enthusiastic Jacob Laval), confronts a school bully by exclaiming, “You’re a cliché.” This line somewhat captures the film's flaws. It would be fair to describe this as a somewhat insincere film.

      The first act explores how Austin’s parents met and his early years, narrated in a way that highlights his unique personality. However, it soon shifts into a redemptive arc for his father, Scott (Zachary Levi, who is charming in the beginning despite his less-than-appealing real-life persona recently). Scott struggles under the pressures of raising a child with special needs, particularly as his other child, Logan, does not have the brittle bone disease inherited from his mother. This struggle leads Scott deeper into alcoholism. The film shifts to focus on faith and the role of God in Scott's recovery, despite his earlier indifference to religion.

      Creating a faith-based film is not inherently problematic and can yield quality movies if handled well (for example, last year's Best Christmas Pageant Ever, created by Dallas Jenkins, who is known for The Chosen). Being transparent about a film's themes shows respect to the audience. However, both this film and Jon Gunn’s previous work (the Hilary Swank-fronted Ordinary Angels) establish a grounded narrative before diverting to promote their agenda. It feels manipulative and misguided, as the latter half of the film undermines Austin, who should be the focus.

      Traditional conservative values are emphasized throughout. While it's true that people can change and this is based on real events, one pivotal moment shows Scott driving drunk with his children and causing a serious accident. Instead of maintaining the perspective of mother Teresa (Meghann Fahy), scenes depict Scott with his parents, where he is told to shatter a porcelain cup for a rather eye-rolling metaphor illustrating that, while his son frequently breaks bones (played off as an awkward joke), it is Scott who is truly broken.

      Whenever Teresa appears, it’s typically alongside another character urging her to give Scott another chance, even after he nearly endangered their children’s lives. This carries an unsettling undertone reminiscent of JD Vance's views, suggesting that women should stay in harmful marriages for the sake of their children. The film is indifferent to Teresa’s character beyond her love for gaming (especially Gears of War), neglecting opportunities to explore her bond with Austin over their shared struggles with brittle bone disease, except for one brief dancing scene.

      As a result of these issues, when The Unbreakable Boy dedicates time to Austin, it resorts to turning his unique experiences into clichés. One scene features Austin’s class signing a petition for him to stay in a regular classroom, but the narrative fails to establish his popularity or the breadth of his friendships, focusing mainly on his encounters with a bully. This may come off as cynical, but much of the content seems disingenuous, regardless of whether Austin is accepted or bullied.

      The Unbreakable Boy presents various situations for Austin, both positive and negative, but rarely delves into these experiences in depth, returning instead to Scott’s story. To its credit, the performances are charming, and at times, the film effectively showcases the challenges and stresses of raising a child with autism and brittle bone disease. Still, the focus remains a persistent issue. While the boy may be unbreakable, the film itself is quite flawed.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is affiliated with the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He also serves as the Reviews Editor for Flickering Myth. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or contact me at [email protected]