True Story Behind Unstoppable Explained

I haven’t cried through a sports drama in a long time, but Unstoppable (2024) is a stunning piece of narrative that evokes an emotional response.

1. Is Unstoppable Based On a True Story?

Unstoppable, directed by William Goldenberg and written by Eric Campanella, John Hindman, and Alex Harris, is based on the true tale of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), who won the national wrestling championship in 2011 despite only having one leg.

The sports tale is incredibly emotional, not just because of Robles’ incredible accomplishments but also because of his mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez). It’s the type of film that’s both a feel-good tearjerker and extremely intimate in the subjects it explores.

Unstoppable follows Anthony during his final years in high school and then college as he tries to make it onto Arizona State University’s wrestling team after his jerk of a stepdad, Rick (Bobby Cannavale), walks out on Judy and the rest of his siblings.

Anthony wants to stay nearby to help his family, and though Coach Shawn Charles (Don Cheadle) initially tells him how difficult it is to make the team as a walk-on, Anthony beats the odds in more ways than one.

2. What is Unstoppable About?

Unstoppable is about more than just Anthony Robles’ wrestling.

The film is open about its happy moments and borrows from some of the most inspirational sports stories to create a heartfelt film that is sad and occasionally hilarious. Unstoppable emphasizes the importance of a strong support system, and I particularly loved how it focused almost entirely on Judy, who battled to leave an abusive marriage.

Some documentaries prioritize the athlete’s sport, but Unstoppable goes a step further by highlighting the complexities of Anthony’s personal life. We would not comprehend who he is if this part was removed.

Strength and perseverance drive Anthony’s story, but Champnella’s script takes the time to lean into the mother-son relationship at the film’s heart. These aren’t just moments that pass through; they’re pivotal to the storytelling.

We may know Anthony will ultimately succeed in beating his final opponent, but the journey to get there makes the win all the better. After seeing the film, I talked to several people who admitted they teared up multiple times. It’s a testament to the script and Goldenberg’s direction.

Anthony and Rick’s troubled relationship provides an excellent opportunity to explore the issue of masculinity. The latter is constantly discussing manhood and making adult decisions.

Jerome’s calm yet searing fury toward Rick is mostly subdued as he demonstrates what it means to be a good role model through his deeds.

It’s a sharp contrast to Rick’s ego and explosive personality. Cannavale is particularly annoying in the character, and Rick’s mere existence is enough to make you dislike him. Crucially, Unstoppable emphasizes the various types of father figures in Anthony’s life and what is healthy to emulate.

3. What Makes Unstoppable so Meaningful?

Unstoppable isn’t out to reinvent the sports drama genre, and that’s OK. It’s an excellent film that’s well put together, which is a large part of what makes it so good.

The actors are outstanding, with Jerome giving his all to a difficult job, bridging Anthony’s vulnerability and ferocity to produce a sensitive, appealing performance. Lopez, who is normally good, portrays Judy with a mix of melancholy and tenacity.

She has not performed this well since Hustlers. Cheadle’s performance is consistently excellent, while Michael Peña’s portrayal of Anthony’s high school coach is endearing and humorous. Both have valuable insights.

The plot moves nicely, and we’re immediately immersed in Anthony’s world. Biopics can be difficult to create since they must constantly highlight a person’s humanity and accomplishments, and Unstoppable does just that.

It’s no easy achievement, but we know Anthony’s fundamental personality and why he battles to be the wrestling champion so hard.

The challenges in his path are multifaceted and personal, resulting in a well-rounded film that is lovely, emotional, and occasionally even intense, thanks to wrestling matches that feel live.

If I could describe Unstoppable in one word, it would be defiant — just like Robles. It’s a film primed to pull at your heartstrings and make you root for Anthony and Judy, who are relatable.

Their bond carries the film through to the end, and when Anthony finally earns that national championship, I cheer with the onscreen audience.

4. About Unstoppable

Unstoppable is a 2024 American biographical sports drama film directed by William Goldenberg in his feature directorial debut. Written by Eric Champnella, Alex Harris and John Hindman, it is based on the 2012 book of the same name by Anthony Robles (who also serves as producer) and Austin Murphy.

It is produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon through Artists Equity, and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas through Nuyorican Productions. It stars Jharrel Jerome as Robles, with a supporting cast that includes Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.

Unstoppable had its premiere in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2024, followed by a limited theatrical release in December 2024, by Amazon MGM Studios.