The Way Back (titled Finding the Way Back in the United Kingdom) is a 2020 American sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Brad Ingelsby. It stars Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins, and Janina Gavankar, and follows an alcoholic construction worker who is recruited to become head coach of the basketball team at the high school where he was a star. The film was theatrically released in the United States on March 6, 2020, by Warner Bros. Pictures. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic causing movie theaters across the globe to close, Warner Bros. made the film available to own digitally on March 24, 2020. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with Affleck's performance receiving praise. However, the film suffered at the box office due to COVID-19 because it was only in theaters for two weeks. Plot Jack Cunningham is an alcoholic ironworker who is separated from his wife, Angela. While at Thanksgiving dinner with his family, they express concern about his habits. The next day, Jack receives a call from Father Devine at his former Catholic high school, Bishop Hayes. Devine asks him to step in as the school's basketball coach, as the previous coach has suffered a heart attack. Jack is introduced to assistant coach and algebra teacher Dan, as well as the team members. He learns that Bishop Hayes has not gone to the playoffs since he was a student, and that interest has dropped significantly, leaving the team with only six varsity players. The team is initially annoyed by Jack's stricter practices and aggressive attitude, but soon grow to respect him. The team improves and Jack begins to bond with the players. His drinking decreases, and he spends more time with his family and friends. Jack and Angela attend a birthday party together for David, the son of their friend Miguel. It is revealed that Jack and Angela had a son, Michael, who died from cancer. David and Michael were in the hospital together; David is now in remission. Affected by the birthday party and memories of his son, Jack protests a call at a game, which results in him being ejected. After the game, Jack reveals to one of his players that Jack's father was neglectful, only paying attention to him due to his basketball talent. As a result, Jack turned down a full athletic scholarship to the basketball