The Unbreakable Boy * Heartfelt And Uplifting Film Beautifully Capturing The Power Of Joy, Faith, And The Indomitable Human Spirit
When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ashleigh C., comments, “The Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.” Chase L. adds, “The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.” See their full reviews below.
The Unbreakable Boy
By Ashleigh C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 20
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he Unbreakable Boy is a heartfelt and uplifting film that beautifully captures the power of joy, faith, and the indomitable human spirit. Based on the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with both autism and brittle bone disease, the movie explores how his infectious positivity and courage transform the lives of those around him.
The film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), parents who face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval), a child who is not only autistic but also suffers from a rare bone condition that makes him vulnerable to fractures. Despite these challenges, Austin’s unwavering optimism and unbreakable spirit inspire his family and community, teaching them to find joy in every moment. Scott’s journey of faith becomes intertwined with Austin’s unique outlook on life, leading to a powerful and heartwarming story about the bonds that make a family truly unbreakable.
Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden
Zachary Levi delivers a raw and emotional performance as Scott, portraying the complexities of a father struggling to understand his son while rediscovering his faith. Meghann Fahy is remarkable as Teresa, balancing strength and vulnerability with grace. However, it is Jacob Laval as Austin, who steals the show. His portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, capturing Austin’s innocence, humor, and infectious optimism in a way that feels genuine and deeply moving. Director Jon Gunn crafts a narrative that is both inspiring and grounded, avoiding clichés while delivering powerful emotional moments. The screenplay balances humor, heartbreak, and hope, making the characters feel relatable and their journey resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Gunn’s direction brings authenticity to the story, ensuring it remains heartfelt without being overly sentimental. Visually, The Unbreakable Boy is beautifully shot, capturing the warmth and vibrancy of everyday moments.
Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden
The cinematography complements the narrative, creating an intimate portrayal of the family’s highs and lows. The musical score enhances the emotional depth of the film, underscoring key moments with sensitivity and elegance. What sets The Unbreakable Boy apart is its ability to inspire without feeling preachy. The film’s message of embracing life’s challenges with faith and joy is universal, touching hearts regardless of religious beliefs. It reminds us that happiness can be found even in the most difficult circumstances and that resilience is often rooted in love.
The Unbreakable Boy is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance. With outstanding performances, genuine storytelling, and a message that lingers long after the credits roll, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking hope and inspiration.
I give The Unbreakable Boy 4 out of 5 stars. The film releases in theatres February 21, 2025.
The Unbreakable Boy
By Chase L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
The Unbreakable Boy has a great cast and a heartfelt story, one that people with autism can relate to, but really anyone can enjoy it. It tells a great story about how disabilities are just different abilities and how sometimes when you feel down, certain actions can cheer you up.
The storyline follows a boy named Austin (Jacob Laval), who has brittle bone disease and is also autistic; he’s had a challenging time in life, because oftentimes he can’t understand what others mean when they speak. At the same time, his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), face the challenges of raising Austin (Jacob Laval) and his brother Logan. We observe this family as they go through difficult times, adventures, and more, which ultimately make this a fun, exciting, and truly enjoyable movie.
Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden
I can relate to this story because I have a sister with a genetic disorder so I can understand and relate to the struggles they have as a family. The film is well made and easy to understand, even for people who don’t know what brittle bone disease is. For example, when they talk about brittle bone disease I completely understood, but one thing I didn’t quite get is how autism affects people. I don’t really understand what autism is even after watching the film. There are believable characters and the story has a good beginning, middle and end.
It is set in the modern day, so everything looks appropriate and accurate for today. Nothing looks pixelated, glitchy, or has low graphics; and almost everybody is wearing typical clothes that people wear today.
Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden
This film reminds us that not everything goes perfectly in life and sometimes life has unexpected things that happen and we have to do our best to live with those, even when we can’t fix it. In this movie Scott’s son Austin is not perfect – he was born with autism and brittle bone disease and that causes Scott and his wife to become aware of those things and learn how to deal with them together as a family.
The film’s message is about being prepared for the unexpected, and to always remember that your friends and family are there to support you in times that are tough, even when you don’t think you can handle the challenges that life throws at you.
I give The Unbreakable Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It releases in theaters February 21, 2025.
