In this poignant drama, Ben Affleck stars as Jack Cunningham, a former basketball prodigy whose life has unraveled since abandoning his scholarship. Now haunted by loss and alcoholism, Jack is forced to confront his demons when he's asked to coach his alma mater's struggling team. As the boys find success on the court, Jack must face the void left by his past and decide if redemption is possible.
Does The Way Back have end credit scenes?
No!
The Way Back does not have end credit scenes.
Meet the cast of The Way Back and learn about the talented actors who brought the characters to life. Explore their roles and career highlights.
Ben Affleck
Jack
Melvin Gregg
Marcus Parrish
Al Madrigal
Dan
Christine Horn
Will Ropp
Kenny Dawes
Marlene Forté
Glynn Turman
Michaela Watkins
Beth
Lukas Gage
Inka Kytö
Janina Gavankar
Angela
Ben Irving
Bobby Freeze
Brandon Wilson
Brandon Durrett
Caleb Thomas
Charles Lott Jr.
Chubbs Hendricks
Chris Bruno
Sal
Christina Sergoyan
Da'Vinchi
Devon Childress
Emelia Golfieri
Sarah
Fernando Luis Vega
Sam Garcia
Hayes MacArthur
James P. Harkins
Jayne Taini
Matthew Glave
Coach Lombardo
Rachael Carpani
T.K. Carter
Todd Stashwick
Kurt
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Discover how The Way Back is rated on popular platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Explore audience and critic scores to see how this movie ranks among the best.
66
Metascore
6.6
User Score
6.7 /10
IMDb Rating
67
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of The Way Back with an engaging quiz. Test your memory of the movie’s characters, plot twists, and unforgettable moments.
What former role did Jack Cunningham hold at Bishop Hayes High School?
Get the full story of The Way Back with a detailed plot summary. Dive into its themes, characters, and the twists that make it a must-watch.
Jack Cunningham, a struggling alcoholic construction worker, finds himself alienated from his wife, Angela. During a tense Thanksgiving dinner with his mother and sister Beth, Beth expresses concern over Jack’s drinking habits and his increasing isolation from loved ones. Shortly after, he receives an unexpected call from Father Devine at his former high school, Bishop Hayes, where he once shone as a star basketball player, leading the team to numerous championships. Father Devine requests that Jack take over coaching the basketball team after the previous coach suffers a heart attack. Although hesitant at first, Jack agrees to the position, stirring memories of his past glory.
Upon arriving, Jack meets Dan, the assistant coach and algebra teacher, alongside the remaining six members of a struggling basketball team that has seen a sharp decline in interest and performance. Among the players is Brandon, the talented yet introverted point guard, and Marcus, the center whose attitude often rubs everyone the wrong way. As Jack attempts to navigate his new role, he learns that Angela has moved on with her life, intensifying his feelings of loss and pushing him deeper into alcohol.
Jack’s early games as coach do not go well. In a match against a larger, more skilled team, Jack’s frustration boils over, leading him to bench Marcus in an attempt to instill tougher play. The loss motivates Jack to implement stricter training and new strategies, including a full-court press defense to capitalize on what little talent his team possesses. While the players initially resist his more aggressive approach, their respect for him gradually grows.
In a pivotal moment, Jack gives Brandon a ride home and learns about his difficult family situation, including the loss of his mother. This interaction compels Jack to foster a bond with the players, and he begins to focus on Brandon’s leadership potential by encouraging him to take charge on the court. When Marcus arrives late for a game, Jack’s dismissal of him from the team reflects his newfound commitment to discipline. However, Jack keeps the door open for Marcus’ eventual return.
As the team begins to find success, Jack’s personal life starts to improve as well. His drinking decreases, and he begins reconnecting with family and friends. At a birthday party for a mutual friend’s son, Jack and Angela confront the memory of their deceased son, Michael, shedding light on their shared grief.
However, the road to redemption is turbulent. With only one win needed to reach the playoffs, a critical loss occurs due to Jack’s ejection from the game. The stakes rise during a rematch against Memorial, forcing Jack to confront his coaching choices. As Brandon shines on the court, capturing the interest of college scouts, Jack is reminded of his own wasted potential, having turned down a prestigious scholarship in his youth.
Tragedy strikes again when Jack learns that the young boy David, son of their friends, is back in the hospital after a cancer relapse. Overwhelmed by grief, Jack lapses back into his destructive habits, arriving late to the team practice and facing the consequences of his actions. After a night of reckless behavior that culminates in a confrontation with the police, he wakes up in the hospital, confronted by Beth. This pivotal moment prompts Jack to confront his alcoholism, leading him to seek therapy.
As Jack begins to rebuild his life, he finds motivation in the dedication of the team’s first playoff game to him. In a significant act of closure, Jack picks up a basketball and resumes shooting, symbolizing his journey towards healing and redemption amid the shadows of his past.
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