It may sound cliché to say this, but for me, movies work best when the topic or issue of the film is relatable to the audience. Depending on that issue (positive or negative) it can deeply impact the experience one may have with the movie and how it may or may not be memorable to them. When it comes to the very much underrated Director Gavin O’Connor, his most known films so far (Miracle, Warrior) deal with very real and relatable experiences during some of the toughest times at the forefront (redemption, dealing with loss, family issues, etc.), all in the disguise of a sports drama. The genre itself is difficult to pull off, but when it works it is incredibly moving and always leaves you in a very emotional state, especially if you have a connection to the story or are a fan of the sport being shown.
In his latest feature The Way Back O’Connor teams up again with Ben Affleck in a project that is not only a return to form for Ben, but also the most personal project he has taken on in his career by far. Jack Cunningham (Affleck) is a former high school basketball star who turned down a college scholarship to the University of Kansas. Now an adult struggling with alcoholism, Cunningham is offered a coaching job at his Alma mater, all while continuing to struggle with his demons. In a 2018 article with The New York Times Affleck speaks very openly about the wide variety of issues that had gone on in his life (his divorce, increasing consumption of alcohol, and mounting pressures cast by his Batman role). When you read all of that and see what Jack goes through in the film, it just makes it all the more incredible that Ben was able to deliver the performance that he did for this film. He also stated in the same article that the movie was very therapeutic for him as it helped him to get back on the right path in his life, which is great to see. From the beginning of the movie you see the self destructive pattern that Jack puts himself though in his daily life and its incredibly heart breaking to see. With Gavin’s shooting style, it all feels very real and doesn’t feel like we are watching a movie.
Instead it makes it feel like an insight into a very flawed character’s life. My heart sank every time Jack took a drink just to flush away the pain in his life. It’s especially triggering if you know someone who has dealt with addiction issues. Unlike his last movie Warrior, this doesn’t feel like a straight up sports drama. Being a fan and lover of the sport of basketball (having played in high school) all of the coaching moments and speeches were incredibly moving for me. It felt so authentic and very relatable. From the first major speech that Jack delivers to his team I was immediately hooked and wanted to grab a basketball and play for Coach Cunningham! The chemistry that Jack has with the teenagers in the film works really well and I wanted to see more of that. But I understand that it wasn’t about the kids, it was about the man who would end up changing their lives for the better.
The other aspects of Jack’s very complicated life include the relationship he has with his ex-wife Angela played beautifully by Jamina Gavankar and the complicated history that they have together. If you think that addiction is the only triggering thing for Jack in this film, then get ready, because once you see the deeply rooted issues at hand, it will tear you up. The film does have a little bit of a slow build, but when it reaches its highest crescendo you will be cheering on Jack and his team. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long. That’s where I really appreciate where the story goes because unlike other similar films, it creates its own path and keeps the focus on Jack and his internal struggle. Ben Affleck carries this entire movie on his broad shoulders and puts it all on the line with every glance, speech and tearful expression. I am glad that Ben Affleck has been able to bounce back and be the best version of himself that he can be. He is taking more complex and compelling roles that show off his range. Yes, it would have been great to see his vision for my favorite comic book character of all time (Batman) but there are more important things in life. Everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how grim their situation may be. Just like Angel tells Jack in the movie “We can’t change the past, Jack. What we can do is choose how we move forward.”
The Verdict