The new sports drama Unstoppable tells the inspiring true story of wrestler Anthony Robles, who defied the odds to succeed in high school and college wrestling despite being born with one leg. With dynamic direction from William Goldenberg, the film not only captures the emotional highs and lows of Robles’ journey but also focuses on the powerful familial relationships that shaped his success. At the heart of this emotional rollercoaster is Jennifer Lopez, who plays Judy, Robles' determined and fiercely supportive mother. Lopez's performance has been praised for its depth, drawing on her ability to channel both vulnerability and strength, a characteristic seen in her previous roles in Out of Sight and Hustlers.
In Unstoppable, Lopez's portrayal of Judy is both grounded and compelling, highlighted by a particularly intense moment in the stands where Judy defends her son after hearing a cruel comment from the crowd. Lopez recalled how her initial interaction with the extras during this scene took them by surprise, as they were unaware of the emotional outburst she was about to deliver. "When I turned around and started cursing and trying to punch a woman in the face, they were like, ‘What the heck?’" Lopez said, laughing at the surprise she caused.
Co-star Jharrel Jerome, who portrays Anthony Robles, shares a strong on-screen chemistry with Lopez, and their mother-son dynamic feels authentic and natural. Jerome’s role required an intense physical transformation, as he underwent rigorous training to convincingly portray the wrestler. Robles himself played a pivotal role in Jerome’s preparation, not only training him but also serving as his body double for certain scenes, with his leg digitally removed in others. Jerome appreciated the opportunity to work with Robles directly, saying, "I walked away with a really good feeling about him, and I was like, ‘This is the guy I would love to play me.’"
Despite the physical demands of the role, Jerome did not shy away from the challenges. He found inspiration in Robles’ unwavering resilience, noting, "The last thing I’m going to do is complain about anything because of how resilient he’s been."
The film also dives into the emotional intricacies of Judy's relationship with her husband, Rick, played by Bobby Cannavale. Their complicated dynamic is portrayed with sensitivity, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of family struggles. Lopez shared how she drew from her own experiences to portray Judy’s feelings of being in a difficult, sometimes abusive, relationship. "We’ve all been in complicated relationships...and we can all relate to that or understand that in some way," she reflected.
The Robles family was initially hesitant about sharing their story, but after meeting Goldenberg, Lopez, and Jerome, their concerns were put to rest. Judy Robles admitted that having her life portrayed on screen, particularly some of the more difficult aspects of her relationship with her husband, was challenging but ultimately cathartic. "Nothing in there was too far from the truth, so that was hard to see. But, I mean, everything in there was pretty accurate," she said.
Set against the backdrop of a struggling Afro-Latino family, Unstoppable resonates with viewers from various walks of life, especially those familiar with the daily grind of overcoming adversity. Lopez, reflecting on her own upbringing in the Bronx, found common ground with the Robles family’s experience. “It’s like most people in the world, right? You get up every day, you try to do your best,” Lopez said, emphasizing the universal themes of perseverance and family love.
While the film explores the Robles’ past, it also highlights broader themes of resilience, social challenges, and family support that continue to resonate today. "We're all wrestling with something all the time," Anthony Robles wisely said, echoing the film’s central message that triumph is most meaningful when born from struggle.
Unstoppable is set to be released in the UK on December 6 and will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 16, 2025.
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