This movie is a much-needed feel-good story.

“The Unbreakable Boy” is written and directed by Jon Gunn and it’s an adaptation of the book by Scott LeRette with Susy Flory. The film stars Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew Powell, and Patricia Heaton. It follows Austin (Laval), a boy who’s autistic and suffers from brittle bone disease, and his journey as a unique boy who requires special care and understanding. 

The trailer promised a heartfelt, inspirational, and moving film about family, faith, and love, and I’m excited to say that’s exactly what I experienced. Austin narrates most of the movie, and it’s compelling to witness the story unfold through his perspective. His mother suffers from brittle bone disease, so she approaches his diagnosis with understanding and compassion. In contrast, his father adopts a “fix it” mindset, which adds an interesting dynamic to the story.

The film opens with a pivotal event that alters the entire family dynamic—a night described by Austin as the moment when “everything broke.” From that point, the story takes us back to explore how this family came to be, starting with the meeting of his parents and continuing up to the present day.

I appreciated the film for its raw and realistic portrayal of parenting. Being a parent often becomes a person’s entire identity and reason for living. The film did not shy away from showcasing the various complexities of parenting, especially when raising a child with autism and fragile bones. 

Austin is the most entertaining aspect of the movie. He is unapologetically himself, and it is striking to witness how those in his inner circle—parents, neighbors, teachers, and medical staff—interact with him. It is enlightening to hear him narrate his reactions and perspectives about these same people. We often associate autism with negative connotations, but my view of autism is that it’s simply a unique and more present way of living life. Austin’s enthusiasm shines through, and his joy and love for life are truly admirable.

The story follows a familiar formula and features some cliché themes, but the performances and overall execution make it moving, thought-provoking, and heartfelt. Although Austin is our central character, the third act shifts the spotlight to the father. I didn’t mind this decision because his character arc is relatable and plays an important role in the family’s narrative. As a parent, I can attest that we often learn more about ourselves through our children, and this movie captures that concept deliberately.

Overall, “The Unbreakable Boy” is a heartfelt and compelling look at family. It is a much-needed feel-good story with complex characters worth seeking.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5