The film "Unsung Hero" tells the powerful story of the Smallbone family, known in the music industry for members such as Christian pop duo for KING & COUNTRY. Driven by their father's dream of making it big in the United States, this Australian family's journey to Nashville is at the core of the plot.
David Smallbone, actual father to for KING & COUNTRY, is portrayed by his own son, Joel, who co-wrote and co-directed the film. The elements of triumph and family importance that drive the narrative make the movie particularly compelling for those interested in Christian pop music.
Significantly, the story doesn't function purely as a music biopic. Instead, it's a tribute to the matriarch of the Smallbone family, Helen - played by Daisy Betts - whose faith and resilience held the family together.
While the movie's plot sometimes leans towards predictability, there are moments of authentic, raw emotion that lend depth to the family drama. David's feelings of frustration and resentment, for example, after dragging his family to an unfamiliar country create a real sense of tension.
Rebecca, the older sister, becomes pivotal to the family's financial security, her journey towards signing a record contract offering high stakes drama. The casting choices, notably that of Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca, adds to the credibility of the familial relationships.
The screenplay could have benefited from more emotional complexity and deeper character development. That said, for the most part, "Unsung Hero" succeeds at delivering an uplifting tale for a family audience. Its engaging soundtrack and '90s era costume design also serve to add a layer of nostalgia to the film.
Despite its moments of emotional restraint, "Unsung Hero" provides a testament to The Smallbone's story of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of music.
