The Way Back (2020)

The Way Back is a raw, character-driven sports drama about Jack Cunningham, a one-time high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game and watched his life unravel under the weight of addiction. Years later, when his alma mater asks him to coach a struggling, underdog team, Jack reluctantly accepts—and is forced to confront the mistakes that cost him his career, relationships, and self-respect. Viewers can expect a sobering, emotionally honest ride: tense, gritty basketball sequences and team camaraderie are balanced by intimate, often painful scenes of withdrawal, regret, and slow rebuilding. The film blends the urgency of sports competition with a quieter, introspective look at recovery and redemption, delivering both small, human moments and cathartic highs. If you like grounded, adult dramas about second chances and mentorship set against the energy of high-stakes basketball, this movie offers a moving, bittersweet experience.

Actors: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar

Director: Gavin O'Connor

Runtime: 108 min

Genres: Drama, Sport

6.0 /10 66 /100 6.7 /10 6.4 /10