Watch The Way Back

The Way Back is a 2020 sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor and stars Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, and Janina Gavankar. The movie tells the story of Jack Cunningham (played by Ben Affleck), a former high school basketball star who, following a personal tragedy, turns to alcohol to help cope with his pain. The movie opens with Jack moving through his mundane life- working construction jobs, drinking heavily, and spending his nights alone in his apartment. After receiving an unexpected call from his Alma Mater, Bishop Hayes, asking him to serve as the basketball coach, Jack reluctantly agrees to take the job. Despite his reluctance, coaching basketball becomes an outlet for him to deal with his personal struggles and further dive into the world of alcoholism.

Jack initially struggles with the team, which consists of underdog players who have never experienced victory on the court. However, he begins to forge deep relationships with each of the players, including Brandon (Brandon Wilson), a promising player with an unpredictable and difficult temper. The team starts to bond as they win game after game, the perfect distraction for Jack to avoid his demons. He also begins a complicated relationship with his estranged wife, Angela (Janina Gavankar), and finds himself turning to her for support as he battles his alcohol addiction.

As Bishop Hayes makes a run to the state playoffs, Jack's growing alcoholism and personal struggles start to catch up with him, and he finds himself going down a dangerous path that could cost him everything. Ultimately, the team provides him with the will he needs to put his life back together.

One particular standout in the movie is Ben Affleck's portrayal of Jack Cunningham. Affleck does a remarkable job of showcasing the juxtaposition of a man battling his own demons while helping others overcome their own struggles. His performance captures the raw emotion and pain that alcoholism and grief can inflict on a person.

Another impressive aspect of the film is the way it handles the subject of addiction. It portrays addiction as a disease that can overpower anyone, regardless of their situation or background. Additionally, it shows the challenges of addiction beyond just the physical symptoms but how emotional triggers and past experiences can trigger substance abuse and dependency.

Overall, The Way Back is a worthwhile sports drama worth watching. It shows that sometimes, the only way out of personal struggles is to face them head-on, no matter how difficult it may be. The film delivers a powerful message about the importance of support during difficult times and how true connections with others can heal even the most significant wounds.

The Way Back is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.