Starring Jharrel Jerome, Jerome takes on a character that continues to solidify his positions as a star leading actor.
What makes Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) seemingly Unstoppable is the chip on his shoulder. He is continually underestimated, under-recruited and, at home, unmanned by a true father figure. His step gets rid of the frustration he gets from his work at prison but clashes with Judy, played affectingly by Jennifer Lopez. Judy strives to be best mom and, as the only biological and emotional paternal figure, tries her best to raise Anthony and her four children.
His home life is what drives Anthony to escape, and push for people not to see what is missing in his life. Despite the lack of a proper father figure, a leg and a whole lot of privilege, Anthony makes bold choices and demonstrates a character that not only shows the drive to succeed but the persistence to face any obstacle ahead of him head on and show no fear.
These specifics are what drive the plot of this film, which mostly runs on previously seen ‘Sports BioPic’ fuel. However, there are key moments where Billy Goldberg makes his directorial voice heard. He takes key care of helping you feel every challenge that Anthony faces with a secure but shaky documentary-style camera. This creates a smooth sense of pace but also is effective as an immersive sports photographer. One scene in particular purposely blurs out the wrestlers in the ring or the crowd. Goldberg allows the viewer to focus on the small factors that may break (or change) a wrestler’s game. Through these choices and some important moments of gut-wrenching (but gripping) sound design, Goldberg brings the audience into Robel’s perspective and pushes the crowd to cheer for him. Let me tell you there will be many more cheers from TIFF to come.
Unstoppable is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
