Jharrel Jerome gives a brilliant performance as Anthony Robles in Unstoppable, the story of a man who defied the odds to become a wrestling champion despite being born without a right leg. Photo: Supplied.
Unstoppable is the inspiring true story of American wrestler Anthony Robles, who defied the odds to become a champion despite being born with only one leg.
In his 2012 autobiography titled Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, the overall message from Robles was: “… My spirit is unconquerable … I don’t care what’s probable. Through blood, sweat, and tears, I am unstoppable.”
Driven, in particular, by Jharrel Jerome along with Jennifer Lopez, this film is an uplifting addition to the sports biopic genre.
William Goldenberg (Argo, The Insider, Seabiscuit), recognised for his Oscar-winning work in film editing, sits in the director’s chair to present an extraordinary account about Robles, a wrestler who was born without a right leg. He surmounted obstacles to win the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national championship in the 125-pound weight class.
This biographical sports drama has some banalities and tropes, but it delivers a motivating, realistic narrative.
We follow Robles (Jerome, Moonlight, When They See Us), who excels on his school’s wrestling team even though he was born with only one leg. Resolute in efforts to showcase Robles’ astonishing aptitude to the world is his coach, Bobby Williams (Michael Pena, End of Watch, Extinction). Regardless of his skills, Robles confronts challenges to gain acknowledgment from top college recruiters.
Finally, a full scholarship comes to hand at Drexel University, but due to family obligations, he attends Arizona State University, where Sean Charles (Don Cheadle, Crash, Hotel Rwanda) coaches the wrestling team.
Supporting Robles (now aged 36) in his journey is his devoted mother, Judy (Lopez, The Mother, Hustlers), who diligently works to instil in him strength of purpose in his pursuit to become a wrestling champion. On the other hand, he doesn’t get much support from his cruel stepfather, Rick (Bobby Cannavale, Will & Grace, Nurse Jackie).
Unstoppable engages, primarily because of the convincing performances. Shining in his role as Anthony, Jerome produces a cogent portrayal of a teenager who disregards all odds to become a winner. Robles had fortitude and strength of mind to rise above derision and demonstrate his self-worth. His invincible spirit is exhibited as he climbs a rocky mountain on crutches. He is formidable in his endeavours.
Lopez is genuine as the supportive mother, generating a warm-heartedness that brings a naturalness to the role. Cheadle is bang-on as coach Charles, delivering a calm performance that catches the spirit of a demanding though caring mentor. Cannavale is credible as Rick, emanating such loathsomeness to ensure his character becomes indisputably despicable.
Academy Award winners Ben Affleck (Good Will Hunting, Argo, Gone Girl) and Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting, Oppenheimer, Bourne franchise) produced this sports drama, which excels in its domestic instances instead of the wrestling platform.
Tensions in the household are realistically depicted: Rick constantly demeaning Anthony, while Judy provides her son with steadfast support. Heart-wrenching scenes show the mother selling her blood as they struggle to keep financially afloat, and the time when Anthony confronts his stepfather after discovering he had been abusing his mother.
It’s easy to get drawn into watching Robles’ journey – it’s an engaging chronicle of toughness and persistence – as he strives to become a wrestling champion despite his physical hardships. From the outset, however, Robles’ skill and willpower put him in a league of his own.
Running for almost two hours, this inspirational narrative presents an extraordinary story, which isn’t just about disability, winning or wrestling. Focus is on the amazing story of one person: with a remarkable body, perseverance and abilities that are purely tools to reach the hearts of the masses.
A perfunctory glimpse can be misleading as there’s more to the unconquerable spirit of this athlete with a limitation in a physical ability. Praise comes from a respectable advocate: screenwriter, author, producer and director Michael Mann (Heat, The Insider, Ferrari), who chose Unstoppable as his favourite 2024 film.
As he puts it: “… What’s strikingly different and original in Unstoppable is the authority of so many moments of true life accumulating throughout to create a quiet monumentality.”
Unstoppable, directed by William Goldenberg, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
