The Way Back

2020 • 108 minutes

About this movie

Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) once had a life filled with promise. In high school, he was a basketball phenom with a full ride to college, when suddenly, for reasons unknown, he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Now years later, Jack is stuck in a meaningless job and drowning in the alcoholism that cost him his marriage and any hope for a better life. When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boy starts to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?

Ratings and reviews

Immersion in this story (Ben Affleck as a struggling, working class battler) is nigh on impossible given his years (and years and years) of hypocritical, elitist, judgemental, virtue signalling on every possible public platform covered by the media. The guy's acting just isn't good enough to maintain the illusion. Add to this the b-grade music and over emphasis on alcoholism, it just becomes a story not worth spending time on. Not recommended.

Saw this twice in the theatres....Up there with Kane and Casablanca for me. Saw it in the theatres the day before my state went into lockdown 2020. This is the best movie of the decade, more than just a movie, it's full of the stuff of real life. always thought B. Affleck was amazing but in this one he blew me away. Imo one of the most natural, powerful, and simply one of the greatest performances of all time. This movie got me through Covid, and more....I hold this movie so close to my heart <3

I cannot understand the reviews here. This film is absolutely superb and Affleck turns in one of his best performances. Not your usual sports redemption film, this is a powerful story of grace operating through individuals who do not give up on hurt and broken people. Outstanding. Directed by the brilliant Gavin O'Connor who also directed the equally powerful film Warrior.