A Heartful Journey of Resilience and Joy

The Unbreakable Boy was initially scheduled to release in March 2022, but was delayed. It was on our calendar for 2022, and when it got delayed, my autistic son would remind me often to “check to see if The Unbreakable Boy is coming out soon.” We have waited a long time for this film, and it certainly didn’t disappoint, but there may be some content that parents want to avoid. So, in my The Unbreakable Boy Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

We see many movies in the theater, but we mostly go to see G and PG movies. I believe in voting with my dollars to send a message to Hollywood of the type of content we want to see. Ten years ago, there were no studios outside the big ones that were producing theater worthy films. Finally, there are quality films that are worthy of seeing in the theater. Additionally, I am thrilled to see that Zachary Levi is committed to changing the movie industry.

The Unbreakable Boy Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

From Kingdom Story Company, the team behind JESUS REVOLUTION and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and Lionsgate, the studio behind WONDER, comes THE UNBREAKABLE BOY.

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!

My Synopsis:

When Scott’s girlfriend gets pregnant, he does the “honorable” thing and they get married. However, when their son has a disease where his bone’s break easily, and then he is diagnosed with autism, the pressures of life mount. Scott begins drinking more and more, and loses his job. Eventually, at the end of his rope, Scott seeks help for himself and it is only then that he can begin to help his family and his son. This film is based on a true story and the book that inspired the movie can be found here! (affiliate Link)

The Unbreakable Boy Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

Foul language includes: a-shole and d-mn. The word flipping is used.

Additionally, there are a lot of unkind words such as dummy, stupid, retarded, silly goose, goober, jerk, and dimwit. Furthermore, there are some “potty words” such as poop.

Several times Austin says to his dad, “Don’t be a dimwit,” or calls him a goober. We do not allow our children to call people stupid or dimwit, and it was shocking how much it was portrayed in the film.

School kids have a conversation: “He’s autistic,” and the response is “Oh jeez, one of those.”

Finally, the phrase, “The chicks dig it,” is used to talk about the girls at school.

Violence:

Austin and his mom both have fragile bone disease. Austin counts his broken bones throughout the film. Most of them occurred in simple ways that kids play such as tripping or jumping off the couch.

Scott is injured at the playground when a swing knocks him down. Furthermore, one scene involves a car crash.

One of the worst scenes in the film involves Austin. He throws something at his mother and tries to strangle his baby brother. He is taken to a psychiatric hospital, sedated and left there. It is found that it is one of his medications that caused the behaviors.

Finally, expect fights between Scott and Teresa.

Spiritual Content:

Scott and Teresa get married in a church. When their children are young, they begin attending a church together. Additionally, Scott takes Austin to a church campout. Teresa goes to church to pray.

Scott says, “Tell God that if He feels the need to punish somebody, that someone should be me.” Later, when Scott says, “Tell God…” his Pastor says that Scott can tell Him himself. Scott asks his “best friend” if he is God. Additionally, Scott says, “maybe I’m cursed” more than once.

 Alcohol Content:

This film has extensive drinking. The movie begins with Scott at a New Year’s Eve party drinking excessively. He has both his son’s with him. He gets in his car with his son’s to drive home. Then the movie flashes back and you see what has occurred up to that point. The drinking includes beer, wine, champagne, sitting in a bar drinking, and overall just a lot of drinking. Eventually, the film gets back to where it begins. Eventually, Scott gets help for his alcoholism.

Adult Content:

Austin is conceived out of wedlock. When Scott goes to tell his parents, his mom says, that the baby is a miracle despite your bad choices. The film also shows Teresa screaming in labor.

Deception:

Scott lies to his wife about where he is which happens to be at a bar drinking. He also lies about how his son got hurt. Additionally, Teresa keeps vital information from Scott before they are married.

Positive Content:

First, the film depicts autism and the parents’ struggle to understand and help their son. I definitely could identify with those parts of the film. The joy Austin exhibits reminds me of my own son who is definitely filled with God’s spirit. A friend once said about our son, “His spirit isn’t autistic.” This movie exemplifies that concept.

Additionally, the film highlights Scott’s journey to becoming alcohol-free and finding a relationship with God.

This is a heartwarming film that illustrates the Biblical principles of faith, love and the power of God’s grace. The redemption and forgiveness exhibited in this film is powerful.

Unbreakable Boy Christian Review – My Viewing Recommendations

If you have read any of my reviews, you will have found that I love Zachary Levi. From the voice of Flynn Ryder in Disney’s Tangled, Harold from Harold & the Purple Crayon, Shazam and American Underdog, Levi plays a range of characters, and after watching Shazam, I said, “He does an awesome twelve year old boy.” But my favorite role of Zachary’s, is Chuck. So it makes sense that I would recommend this film from a “I love this actor” viewpoint.

However, I can also heartily recommend this film because it is a great movie. While the film touches on subjects that are hard for many people – alcoholism, autism, having a child with a medical condition, and marriage issues, it does so in a manner that is tasteful and still gets the point across. Be aware that the birthing scene, while it is very short, may be too much for some children. For these reasons, my recommendation is 8-10 and up.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for strong thematic material, alcohol abuse, language and some violence.

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes

Genre: Drama

Studio: Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company, The WONDER Project

Directed by: Jon Gunn

Written by: Jon Gunn

Based on the Book: The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory (Affiliate Link)

Produced by: Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Jerilyn Esquibel, Peter Facinelli

Edited by: Parker Adams

Music by: Pancho Burgos-Goizueta

Distributed by: Lionsgate

 The Cast of Unbreakable Boy

Scott LeRette played by Zachary Levi

Austin LeRette played by Jacob Laval

Young Austin played by Roy Jackson Mil

Teresa played by Meghann Fahy

Joe played by Drew Powell

Logan LeRette played by Gavin Warren

Marcia played by Patricia Heaton

Preacher Rick played by Peter Facinelli

Pilot Bunch played by Tyler

Lori played by Amy Acker

Cheerleader played by Ashtyn Barlow Nguyen

Dick played by Todd Terry

Lyle played by Kevin Downes

AA Members played by Mattie Ward and Justin Russell

Autism Doctor played by Bruce Davis