Unstoppable casts light on single mum's struggle

As they try to help their children, parents often have to confront their own failings. This is one of the messages of the biographical sports drama Unstoppable, according to its star Jennifer Lopez.

- Alison de Souza

Premiering on Prime Video on Jan 16, the film tells the true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), an American wrestler who was born without a leg.

It recounts Anthony's difficult childhood in Arizona, where he grows up with single mother Judy (Lopez) and abusive stepfather Rick (Bobby Cannavale).

But with the support of Judy and his coaches, Anthony beats the odds to secure a spot on a university wrestling team and win a national championship.

At a screening of Unstoppable in Los Angeles in late 2024, Lopez - accompanied by the real-life Judy and Anthony Robles - says she wanted to capture the fact that parents often battle their own demons as they try to do the best for their kids.

In Judy's case, she was a young and financially struggling single mother who blamed herself for her son's circumstances.

"It was about tapping the almost torment you have when you're struggling with who you are, and you want to be a great mum," says the 55-year-old American actress and singer.