Unbreakable Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sad security guard survives a train crash and is told by a brittle-boned dude that he’s basically Superman, but with crippling self-doubt.

🍿 Unbreakable: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Train Crash and a Mysterious Message

David Dunn, a security guard with a troubled marriage, survives a catastrophic train crash without a scratch. He’s the sole survivor of 131 passengers. Following the crash, David receives a mysterious message asking if he’s ever been sick.

Meeting Elijah Price

David meets Elijah Price, a comic book art dealer with a rare bone disorder. Elijah believes David is the opposite of him—’unbreakable.’ He theorizes that David possesses superhuman abilities, sparking a journey of self-discovery for David.

Discovering His Abilities

Elijah encourages David to explore his potential. David gradually uncovers incredible strength and an uncanny ability to sense evil in others through physical contact. These discoveries strain his already fragile relationship with his wife, Audrey.

Becoming a Vigilante

Embracing his newfound abilities, David uses his powers to protect the innocent. He rescues a family from a home invader, confirming his role as a real-world superhero. This act reignites his relationship with his son, Joseph, who fervently believes in his father’s abilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Dunn (Bruce Willis): A security guard who survives a train crash unscathed and discovers he possesses superhuman abilities.
• Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson): A brittle-boned comic book expert who seeks to prove his theory that a superhuman exists by finding his opposite.
• Audrey Dunn (Robin Wright): David’s wife, who struggles with their strained marriage and grapples with the possibility of his newfound abilities.
• Joseph Dunn (Spencer Treat Clark): David’s son, who fervently believes in his father’s potential as a superhero and encourages him to embrace it.
• Elijah’s Mother (Charlayne Woodard): Elijah’s supportive mother, who nurtured his love for comics and helped him cope with his brittle bone disease.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elijah Price: “Now that we know who you are, I know who I am. I’m not a mistake!” – Elijah says this to David, explaining that his purpose in life was to be the villain to David’s hero.
• Elijah Price: “Do you know what the scariest thing is? To not know your place in this world, to not know why you’re here.” – Elijah explains his driving motivation for finding someone like David, expressing his deep-seated fear of not having a purpose.
• Elijah Price: “They called me Mr. Glass.” – Elijah reveals his villainous persona, embracing the name given to him due to his brittle bones.
• Joseph Dunn: “I wanted to see if you’re unbreakable.” – Joseph says this to David after staging an ‘accident’ to test if his father is truly invulnerable.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $95,011,339
• Worldwide Gross: $248,118,121

💥 Unbreakable Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘Unbreakable’ in theaters and being completely mesmerized. It was so different from anything I’d seen before! The slow burn, the muted colors, and the way it treated comic books seriously all just clicked with me. Bruce Willis’ performance was so understated but powerful, and Samuel L. Jackson was genuinely creepy. The scene where Willis is figuring out his powers in the train station gave me chills. It’s a superhero movie for people who don’t like superhero movies. I’ve rewatched it many times over the years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of M. Night Shyamalan’s suspenseful filmmaking style”
  • “Viewers interested in a realistic take on superhero origins”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with a strong focus on character development and plot twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and some disturbing images”
  • “Themes of disability, trauma, and social isolation”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Unbreakable is a thought-provoking drama that cleverly subverts superhero tropes, presenting a grounded and realistic take on extraordinary abilities. Shyamalan’s deliberate pacing builds suspense, though some may find it slow. Willis and Jackson deliver compelling performances, elevating the film beyond typical genre fare.
• The New York Times: “M. Night Shyamalan delivers a unique and compelling take on the superhero origin story, opting for quiet introspection over bombastic action. Bruce Willis shines as a reluctant hero grappling with his newfound abilities, and Samuel L. Jackson is mesmerizing as the enigmatic Elijah Price. Unbreakable is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• Los Angeles Times: “Unbreakable is a stylish but uneven effort from Shyamalan. While the film boasts strong performances and a captivating premise, its slow pace and lack of traditional action may frustrate some viewers. The exploration of comic book mythology is intriguing, but the overall execution falls short of its potential.

Audience Reactions

The realistic take on superpowers felt refreshing and unique, setting it apart from typical superhero films.: Viewers praised the grounded approach to the superhero genre, appreciating the focus on character development and psychological realism.

The twist ending caught many off guard and sparked intense debate and discussion.: The film’s unexpected plot twist left a lasting impression on audiences, with many praising its cleverness and subversiveness.

Overall Consensus: Unbreakable is a polarizing but respected superhero film that emphasizes character development and a realistic tone, leading to a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “M. Night Shyamalan always had Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson in mind for the roles of David Dunn and Elijah Price.”
• “The film uses specific color schemes for the main characters: green for David Dunn and purple for Elijah Price, which are reflected in their clothing, environments, and personal items.”
• “Several camera angles throughout the film are designed to mimic the framing of a comic book panel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Unbreakable?

Unbreakable is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check local listings as it may also be available on other streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Unbreakable, you might like these similar films:

• Split (2016): Also directed by M. Night Shyamalan, explores themes of extraordinary abilities and hidden potential within individuals.
• Glass (2019): The direct sequel to Unbreakable and Split, completing the trilogy and further exploring the superhero/villain dynamic.
• Dark City (1998): A neo-noir science fiction film that similarly deals with themes of identity, manipulation, and individuals with hidden powers.
• Chronicle (2012): A found-footage superhero film exploring the realistic ramifications of teenagers gaining extraordinary abilities.

🛒 Unbreakable Related Products

• Funko POP Movies: Unbreakable – David Dunn: This collectible Funko Pop figure features David Dunn, capturing his iconic poncho look and brooding expression. Perfect for fans of the film and Funko collectors alike.
• Unbreakable: Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook: Own Unbreakable in stunning high-definition with this limited edition Blu-ray steelbook. Features exclusive artwork and bonus content for a premium viewing experience.
• Unbreakable Movie Poster Print: High-quality poster print featuring the iconic Unbreakable movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office with a touch of cinematic style.
• Eastrail 177 Trilogy (Unbreakable / Split / Glass) [4K Ultra HD]: Experience the complete Eastrail 177 Trilogy in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Includes Unbreakable, Split, and Glass for a seamless and immersive viewing experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

Unbreakable features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Visions” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Accident” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “The Orange Man” – performed by James Newton Howard
• “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)” – performed by Solomon Burke

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Man is UNBREAKABLE

Dive deep into the unbreakable nature of David Dunn and how it shapes his character arc throughout the film. This insightful analysis offers a fresh perspective.

Everything Wrong With Unbreakable In 12 Minutes Or Less

Get ready for a laugh as CinemaSins takes a comical approach to Unbreakable, pointing out its flaws and inconsistencies. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to revisit the movie.

Unbreakable and Split’s Story in 9 Minutes

Catch up on the thrilling narratives of ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’ with this concise recap. It’s a great way to refresh your memory or get up to speed before watching the final installment, ‘Glass’.

when the movie’s average shot length is more than literally 3 seconds

Ever wondered why Unbreakable feels so different? This video essay breaks down the film’s captivating use of long takes, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how they enhance the storytelling.

✨ Rate