The Unbreakable Boy
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Scott Michael LeRette describes himself as an ordinary man with an extraordinary son. His story is about the journey through life's messiness. It depicts their family's experiences with the impact of a child with autism and brittle bone disease. In the hands of the Kingdom Story Company, this film presents a poignant reality of the challenges people face in responding to life's difficulties and how they discover that many hard times are accompanied by the best life has to offer.
The LeRette's story begins with the whirlwind romance of Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy). Two people were thrust into an instant family situation as they found themselves pregnant and had to determine how they would learn about one another while raising their son. Unbeknownst to them, their first child would carry a rare hereditary condition called brittle bone disease and autism. Austin (Jacob Laval) brought various struggles into their worlds. Still, all of his challenges were accompanied by traits that would become believed by most people who came into their lives. Yet, their lives didn't happen in a vacuum, and as financial pressures, career struggles, and school difficulties mount, they have to determine if they can make it through this life together.
Director Jon Gunn (Ordinary Angels) manages to deliver a film that encompasses the trials and celebrations of an imperfect couple who love their boys, but prove they are making it up as they go. As the narrative is read from Austin's perspective, audiences don't merely observe his world from the outside; they are immersed in it. Instead, they hear how the LeRettes navigate the heights and challenges of a son with multiple physical difficulties, showing that his uniqueness is more of a blessing than a curse.
Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy are convincing as this put-upon couple who travel through some of the biggest challenges faced by any family with a special child. Yet, the film rises above the stock-standard feel-good project due to the performances of Jacob Laval and Gavin Warren as Logan, the younger brother. Their roles help to deliver the message convincingly and produce the heart of the film. Even though he may be a real phenomenon and character, Scott's imaginary friend, Joe (Drew Powell), was an odd addition to embrace despite assisting in delivering some of the more heartfelt moments.
The Unbreakable Boy is an essential film for those who have or are currently navigating life with a child who has physical and/or mental challenges. Not that it is groundbreaking cinema, the LeRette's transparency and humble tale will inspire and encourage all who can relate to seeing how these children are a beautifully extraordinary gift to all who truly get to know them.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Let’s talk about disabilities
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14
Even though the stories like the LeRette’s have been seen before, this film engages with the realities that come with raising children with these medical conditions. Still, how within these struggles, these unique humans have something to offer society that should be embraced. One element of Jesus's teachings that reflected the words of Psalm 139 shows that God values each and every one of us.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
Jesus is saying that God does care about his creation, but more importantly, he cares about each person on earth. Each man and woman has value. Even though God knows every sparrow and where it falls, mankind's value exceeds the sparrows. God cares so much about humanity that he knows the numbers of each of our hairs and has provided a means to spend eternity with him through his Son.
