Unstoppable, a 2024 American biographical sports drama film, marks the directorial debut of William Goldenberg, an accomplished film editor with an impressive portfolio. Based on the 2012 book of the same name by Anthony Robles and Austin Murphy, the film is a heartfelt portrayal of Robles' extraordinary journey. Born with one leg, Anthony Robles defied all odds to become an NCAA wrestling champion, and his inspiring life story has now been brought to the big screen.
Written by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris, and John Hindman, the screenplay adapts Robles' personal narrative into a moving and dramatic portrayal of resilience, determination, and success. Produced by industry veterans Ben Affleck and Matt Damon through their production company Artists Equity, as well as Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas via Nuyorican Productions, Unstoppable is poised to captivate audiences with its powerful performances, uplifting story, and emotional depth.
Plot Summary
At the heart of Unstoppable is the journey of Anthony Robles, portrayed by Emmy-winning actor Jharrel Jerome. The film traces Robles’ life from his childhood through his college years, highlighting the many challenges he faced. Born with only one leg, Robles refused to see his physical condition as a limitation. Instead, he developed an extraordinary mental and physical strength that led him to excel in wrestling—a sport that demands both.
The story is set against the backdrop of Robles' quest to win the NCAA Wrestling Championship, which culminated in his victory in 2011 as a senior at Arizona State University. Despite facing opponents with seemingly greater physical advantages, Robles used his unique wrestling style, exceptional technique, and unparalleled mental toughness to become a champion.
Throughout the film, audiences witness Robles' struggles, including the societal and personal pressures he faced due to his disability. From growing up in a world that often underestimates people with disabilities to navigating the fiercely competitive world of collegiate wrestling, Unstoppable paints a detailed picture of the trials that shaped Robles into the man and athlete he became.
Themes of Perseverance and Overcoming Adversity
One of the film’s central themes is the concept of resilience. Robles' story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His refusal to be defined by his physical condition becomes an inspiring metaphor for anyone facing adversity.
Unstoppable not only celebrates Robles' achievements on the wrestling mat but also delves into the psychological and emotional toll his journey took. The film highlights how Robles had to wrestle not just with his opponents but also with self-doubt, societal expectations, and moments of frustration. His eventual triumph serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies not just in physical ability but in one’s inner resolve.
Jharrel Jerome’s Performance as Anthony Robles
Jharrel Jerome, known for his critically acclaimed performance in When They See Us, takes on the demanding role of Anthony Robles in Unstoppable. Jerome’s portrayal is deeply immersive, capturing Robles' physicality and emotional complexity with precision. He embodies the athlete's relentless determination and brings a nuanced vulnerability to the character, allowing audiences to connect with Robles on a personal level.
Jerome's physical transformation for the role is nothing short of impressive. He trained extensively to capture the essence of wrestling and deliver a realistic portrayal of the sport. More importantly, he conveys the internal struggles that Robles faced throughout his career. Jerome’s ability to portray both the physical challenges of wrestling and the emotional weight of Robles' journey is likely to be one of the standout elements of the film.
Supporting Cast and Their Roles
Alongside Jerome, Unstoppable features a stellar supporting cast that brings depth and richness to the narrative. Jennifer Lopez, an accomplished actress and producer, plays a pivotal role as Robles' mother, Judy Robles. In the film, Judy is a source of strength and support for Anthony, helping him navigate the challenges of life and constantly encouraging him to push beyond his perceived limits. Lopez’s performance adds emotional gravitas to the film, highlighting the importance of family in Robles' journey.
Bobby Cannavale and Michael Peña also deliver standout performances as Robles' coaches and mentors. Cannavale plays Coach Thom Ortiz, who plays a crucial role in Robles' development as a wrestler, while Peña portrays one of Robles' early trainers, someone who recognizes his potential and helps him harness his unique skills. Both actors bring authenticity and intensity to their roles, showing how the people around Robles contributed to his success.
Don Cheadle, in a smaller yet significant role, portrays a motivational figure in Robles' life, perhaps a mentor or advocate who helps Anthony realize his potential beyond the wrestling mat. Cheadle’s presence adds further weight to the film’s emotional and motivational themes.
The Role of Wrestling in the Film
Wrestling, as depicted in Unstoppable, is not just a sport but a metaphor for life’s struggles. The film’s wrestling sequences are meticulously choreographed to emphasize the physicality of the sport and the unique challenges Robles faced. Unlike traditional sports dramas, where the focus might be solely on winning, Unstoppable uses wrestling as a way to explore deeper themes of personal growth, discipline, and resilience.
Robles' wrestling style, developed to suit his physique, is another key element of the story. His unconventional techniques, which he perfected over years of practice, allowed him to outmaneuver his opponents. The film highlights how Robles’ innovative approach to the sport not only helped him succeed but also redefined what was possible in wrestling.
Production and Directorial Vision
Unstoppable marks William Goldenberg’s first foray into directing, following an illustrious career as a film editor, which includes work on acclaimed films like Argo and Zero Dark Thirty. Goldenberg brings a sharp eye for pacing and structure to the film, ensuring that the emotional beats land just as powerfully as the high-energy wrestling sequences. His directorial style is understated, allowing the story and performances to shine without overwhelming the audience with unnecessary spectacle.
The film’s screenplay, written by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris, and John Hindman, strikes a delicate balance between sports drama and biographical film. While it celebrates Robles' athletic achievements, it never loses sight of the personal and emotional core of the story. The writers give ample space to explore Robles’ relationships with his family, coaches, and mentors, making the film more than just a recounting of a sports victory.
The film’s production, overseen by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon through their Artists Equity banner, speaks to the care and dedication behind bringing Robles' story to life. Both Affleck and Damon have a history of producing thought-provoking, high-quality films, and their involvement in Unstoppable ensures that the film is both entertaining and impactful.
Critical Reception and Anticipation
Unstoppable made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2024, as part of the Special Presentations section. Early reactions from critics have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film’s emotional depth and the performances, particularly Jharrel Jerome’s portrayal of Robles. The film is already being touted as a potential awards contender, with its inspiring story likely to resonate with both critics and audiences.
Following its festival debut, Unstoppable is set for a limited theatrical release in December 2024, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios. The timing of its release suggests that the film could be positioned for a run in awards season, particularly in categories like Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Conclusion
Unstoppable (2024) is a powerful and inspirational biographical sports drama that tells the remarkable story of Anthony Robles, a wrestler who defied the odds to become a champion. Through Jharrel Jerome’s compelling performance, William Goldenberg’s assured direction, and a strong supporting cast led by Jennifer Lopez, the film is a celebration of human determination, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. As it heads into its theatrical release, Unstoppable is poised to inspire audiences worldwide and leave a lasting impact as one of the standout films of 2024.
