Review of The Way Back (2020) by Compi24 — 10 Mar 2020

"Formulaic" is actually not a word I'd pin to director Gavin O'Connor's newly released sports-drama "The Way Back." Though others may have already allowed the word to seep into the annals of public discourse surrounding this movie, I'd contend there's so much about this film that rails against the typical formula associated with the "sports movie" sub-genre.

The entire conceit of the movie -- namely -- revolves around you wanting the protagonist to get better and heal as a human being, not necessarily win basketball games. Yes, you do root for the team, and all of the sporting-related action is expertly handled by O'Connor, but once the movie gets going, you realize what's actually at stake.

You don't really care as much to see these kids go the distance and win it all. You care more to see them grow, and for the protagonist to be potentially rehabilitated as a result. Of course, not all things work out this way, and the film handles this brilliantly, particularly with its commentary on alcoholism and trauma, and ending which really caught me by surprise.

Affleck is incredible, allowing an eerily resonant wave of self-referentiality to wash over every bit of turmoil his character has to face. The emotionality is really quite affecting. Even the score is appropriately moving and melancholy.

This is a dark, deep and effective project overall, and though it's not O'Connor's best work, I'd say I'm far from regretting watching it.