'Unbreakable' Review- The Beginning Of A Trilogy

This film came out in 2000.

M. Night Shyamalan brings us his deep dive into the world of comic books and the superhero genre with Unbreakable. It is incredibly scored by James Newton Howard and features some stunning imagery.

David Dunn (Bruce Willis) is a Philadelphia security coming home from a job interview in New York when his train suddenly crashes. Everyone on board dies and only David survives, much to the relief of his wife Audrey (Robin Wright Penn) and son Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark). While searching for answers, he meets Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), a comic book collector who has Type I osteogenesis imperfecta and believes that comics are hints that superheroes are real.

At first, Dunn rebuffs Price’s theories, but when he recounts his life of surviving a car accident, possessing incredible strength, and an instinct that gives him clues if a person is evil. Price takes Dunn under his wing and it soon becomes apparent Dunn can bend steel.

As a comic book collector, I loved this film. The way it uses proxies as references to actual heroes and tropes within comic books was done respectfully, leaning into it.

Dunn is the everyman who learns he has extraordinary abilities and Bruce Willis portrays him to perfection. He hits every note as this character. Likewise, Samuel Jackson is excellent as Price. The two of them make this movie a home run on every level. Their chemistry is some of the best on-screen.

I also would like to say that this is when M. Night Shyamalan was at the top of his game. The Sixth Sense had just come out and Signs immediately followed. This one right in the middle shows a lost talent as a filmmaker. He clearly understands the comic book genre and what it means for society and America. He crafts this narrative in a brilliant way.

Bottom line, Unbreakable was made at a time when Shyamalan was on the top of his game and it shows.

FAVORITE QUOTE: I’ve studied the form of comics intimately. I’ve spent a third of my life in a hospital bed… with nothing else to do but read. I believe comics are our last link… to an ancient way of passing on history.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Disturbing Images, Minor Language

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, anime, or novel you would like me to review.