‘The Unbreakable Boy’ Review: Zachary Levi Is the Troubled Dad in an Autism Drama Too Feel-Good for Its Own Good

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The new autism drama “The Unbreakable Boy” is a heartwarming and uplifting story. In this film, Zachary Levi portrays Austin’s father, who has an imaginary friend. The local church is led by Preacher Rick (played by Peter Facinelli), a character reminiscent of Matthew McConaughey, who struggles with his own past issues as he helps those less fortunate. The main character, Austin, played by Jacob Laval, isn’t just autistic; he also has osteogenesis imperfecta, making him fragile like the character Mr. Glass in “Unbreakable.” Austin shares his numerous bone breaks, which number in the high twenties, with the audience as if they were valuable collectibles.

The movie “The Unbreakable Boy” portrays Austin, not in spite of his autism but because of it, as a troublesome child who is surprisingly a beacon of life, someone who attracts others. In a sense, he’s detached from reality, living in a world of his own. However, at the same time, he’s incredibly attuned to the world around him, almost as if he’s more deeply immersed within it than we are.

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The film “The Unbreakable Boy” shows Austin, not despite but because of his autism, as a challenging child who is in reality a vibrant soul that draws people towards him. Although he often appears disconnected from the world, almost living in a world of his own creation, at other times, it seems as if he’s more connected to the world than we are, being closer to its essence than we can ever be.

Jacob Laval, an exceptionally talented young actor, brings a prodigious charm to Austin. Laval sports curly hair, a grin reminiscent of a chipmunk, and a voice that bubbles with excitement. He portrays Austin as a dynamic character, brimming with reactions, always connected to a wealth of knowledge about various topics (pop culture, the quirks of his parents). He is fond of sneakers, “Star Wars”, chicken nuggets, dragons, pancakes, “Back to the Future”, SpongeBob, and ranch dressing (“Ranch dressing is amazing!”). He also has a lizard named Marty (after Marty McFly), an impressive DVD collection, and an impressive collection of hats. His conversation style is a constant monologue that occasionally pauses for others. However, it’s not just random words; he seems to live deeply in his thoughts, but his reaction to life is so continuous that there’s a pure, unfiltered quality to it. This is the lesson his parents, particularly his troubled father, need to grasp.

The movie “The Unbreakable Boy” was finished three years ago, making Zachary Levi’s portrayal in this film more akin to the charming, wide-eyed character he played in the initial “Shazam!” release from 2019. Since then, Levi, who openly shares his political opinions (regarding figures like Donald Trump and COVID vaccines), has experienced a period of professional setbacks within Hollywood, yet remains central in “The Unbreakable Boy” with his distinctive, endearing demeanor. This film, adapted from Scott LeRette’s memoir, follows the romantic journey of Scott and Teresa (played by Meghann Fahy), who initially meet adorably and begin a relationship. However, they soon find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy, which sets the tone for the movie’s core theme: life often veers from our expectations, so it’s crucial to wholeheartedly cherish your life and adapt accordingly.

In essence, the central theme I’ve noticed in most religious films I’ve watched is reflected in “The Unbreakable Boy,” a production by Kingdom Story Company, known for movies like “I Still Believe,” “American Underdog,” “Jesus Revolution,” “White Bird,” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The film carries the typical faith-oriented style, where faith – its significance, absence, and restoration – is not just a Sunday school lesson but a pervasive, wholesome ambiance that envelops the story like a gentle, divine glaze.

Levi Scott, a man who journeys across the nation peddling medical equipment, is making every effort to be an excellent father, but Austin poses a challenge due to his talkative nature. Over time, Austin’s constant chatter wears on Scott, and the strain shows, if subtly: He often has a glass of red wine in his hand, drinking to cope with his stress. This habit ultimately leads to the dissolution of his marriage. For his own good, he must be evicted from the home and seek sobriety to truly value the life he once had.

In a scene, Austin displays aggressive behavior by hurling an object at his mother, and I mused, “That’s good, it adds grit to the movie’s depiction of autism.” However, following his admission into a psychiatric hospital and enrollment in a special-needs classroom, Austin reverts back to his usual likable, introverted self, which shifts the narrative of “The Unbreakable Boy” towards something more emotional rather than tough. Faith-based films could benefit from avoiding overly optimistic endings. Briefly, the film hints at the possibility that Scott’s imaginary friend, a rugged bearded drinking buddy named Joe (portrayed by Drew Powell), whom he confides in about his issues, might be God. Yet, this notion is discarded as swiftly as it was introduced. The readiness to accept this idea reveals the core of faith-based films: they present a God who is comforting, almost like a plush teddy bear personifying human compassion.

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2025-02-23 08:16