The Way Back - A Movie Review

Don’t ever give up. Just keep shooting hoops.

The Way Back is a 2020 film about a man struggling with alcoholism. Jack Cunningham is given an opportunity to coach a high school basketball team. Throughout the course of his coaching journey, Jack connects with the players along with the struggles in his life.

I didn’t believe that I was going to enjoy this movie, but I was wrong after the first scene finished. One of the best morals that I took away from watching The Way Back was how to push yourself away from your demons. This film connects audiences with not only basketball but a strong story about the realities of addiction and how you can stop.

Ben Affleck is no stranger to alcoholism. Using his past history, Affleck hits the mark, playing a man who has gone through rough patches. One of my favorite parts about his character was the way he coached the basketball team. Coaches have to be strict when it comes to being in charge, and Jack really made his team listen - even using foul language he is not supposed to use in a Catholic school setting.

A motivated ensemble worked hard to bring monumental basketball scenes to the screen. Each player has a story. Jack connects with these players seeing a bit of his own life within them. Slowly, this team forms a strong bond that they never had before. This helps Jack open up about his own personal life. I enjoy movies with a strong ensemble. Everyone gets a chance to create their own character.

Other casting credits include Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins, and Glynn Turman. Each member of the cast dug deep into their characters. Jack has a different relationship with everyone. This interaction is important as it reflects how he has been affected.

Alcoholism has a strong presence over the course of this movie. Its the antagonist. It is a disease. Alcoholism or any addiction is not something that should ever be ridiculed. As we witness in the film, it has negatively affected Jack’s life. One scene specifically focuses heavily on just how bad Jack’s problem is. While it is hard to watch, it is important.

Editing, cinematography, and sound design are done very well. I especially liked the cinematography in one scene. In the midst of a dark conversation, an image is reflected on the window of the car subtly stating that in the end, everything will get better. It’s all based on the way you look at life.

Gavin O’Conner mastered his direction compiling a film with a strong message for audiences. He worked on subtly very well. Another angle that O’Conner achieved was character development. I think he did a good job equaling story-lines between Jack’s battles with drinking and his growing relationship with the basketball team.

However, some scenes at the end of the film felt like padding. They were only to drive out Jack’s problem again. To me, these scenes felt unnecessary, but it drove more of the message home about alcoholism. It doesn’t go away without the right help.

For anyone who is or has struggled with addiction, I suggest that you watch this movie. It’s hard admitting to our addictions. No matter what happens in life we can never drift away from our loved ones. The Way Back establishes the importance of finding your hobby to understand or bring you back from battles over grief.

I suggest that you look into The Way Back. Before you determine that you won’t like it for the subject matter, it is entertaining and its moral is very important to witness. It has a lesson to learn.