Having acted since he was a young child, RJ Mitte really came into prominence after his work as Flynn on iconic television show Breaking Bad. In the show, Mitte played the son of main character Walter White, a teenager who had a severe form of cerebral palsy. Mitte also has cerebral palsy in real life, though not on as aggressive a scale. Whilst since his time on Breaking Bad he’s made great inroads at getting productions to cast him regardless of his condition rather than for it, his latest film, Triumph, is being used as a platform for it. Made in conjunction with United Cerebral Palsy, Triumph is based on the story of the film’s writer, Michael B. Coffey. During high-school, Coffey was determined to join and compete on the school’s wrestling team, and Triumph sees Mitte play Mike as he strives to achieve his dream. Along the way he has to battle his body, his father, and the presumptions of those around him.
Mitte once more proves himself to be a very talented actor. He was incredible in The Oak Room, and in Triumph he shows a great amount of range. His commitment to getting Coffey just right, and to the cause that helped finance it, have clearly pushed him to ensure that his performance is one of the best of his career. It’s not just the solo work that is great, the relationships also shine, injecting the story with an overarching warmth. There’s a lovely naturalistic feel to the friendship of Mitte’s Mike and fellow wrestler Jeff (played by Colton Haynes). Johnathon Schaech is brilliant as Mike’s dad Doug, and the bond between father and son (and those playing the father and son) is truly special to witness.
Sports movie’s usually have some higher stakes at play – becoming a big name boxer, reclaiming the heavyweight titles, the Mighty Ducks winning the Olympics…yet Triumph’s end goal is simply for Mike to compete alongside his peers as an equal. By making the end goal simpler, Triumph actually makes itself a story that more can identify with. Sure it’s great seeing Rocky achieve greatness, but unless you’re an elite athlete, it’s hard to see much of oneself in the story. Here, it’s easier to align with Mike’s dream, and seeing him strive to attain his goals is much more inspiring.
Director Brett Leonard is a curious choice for the project. Leonard has spent a lot of his career working on films within the science-fiction and horror genres, The Lawnmower Man being his calling card. Triumph looks a little odd when sat next to some of his other titles on his resumé, but Leonard proves that he is capable of directing outside of his usual setting. Leonard’s work here screams feel-good film, all aspects of his usual work are scaled back in favour of letting the story and performances shine through. With such a focus on these elements over stylistic visual flourishes, Triumph does veer into made for television territory, but thankfully this one isn’t so twee and saccharine that it leaves you with indigestion.
Signature Entertainment presents Triumph on Digital Platforms from 28th June.
Triumph
Summary
With such a fantastic performance on display, RJ Mitte continues to come into his own in this inspirational tale of the power of one’s own mind.
