Stephen Curry: Underrated Christian Review
In the realm of sports documentaries, the air can feel a bit crowded these days. From biopics of legendary players to deep dives into unforgettable seasons, the sheer volume of content can blur into a single, fast-paced montage. Yet, every now and then, one film stands out—not because it shouts the loudest or dazzles the most, but because it resonates in quieter, deeper ways. That’s the space Stephen Curry: Underrated occupies.
Director Peter Nicks doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, he offers an honest portrait of a player who, against all odds, transformed his life—and the game of basketball. It’s a film that isn’t so much about basketball itself as it is about the human spirit: the drive to overcome, the faith to endure, and the grace to stay grounded when the spotlight burns the brightest.
The Underdog Narrative
Let’s start with the obvious: Stephen Curry was never supposed to become Stephen Curry. This isn’t just some catchy tagline the documentary throws at its audience; it’s a fact of his life. Curry, the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, was overlooked by college recruiters who couldn’t see past his slight build. High school scouts didn’t believe he could keep up with the sport’s increasingly athletic demands. Even as he dazzled on the court for Davidson College, his future in the NBA seemed like a long shot.
This documentary thrives in these early moments, taking viewers back to Curry’s formative years. We see the awkwardness of his teenage frame, the endless hours of practice, and the quiet frustration of being underestimated at every turn. Nicks uses this chapter of Curry’s life not just to set the stage but to explore a broader truth: success doesn’t often follow a straight line.
For Christians, this part of the story feels deeply familiar. The Bible is filled with underdog tales, where God uses the least likely candidates to fulfill His purpose. David, after all, was a shepherd boy who became a king. Stephen Curry’s rise, though not on the same eternal scale, carries echoes of this idea: God often works through those the world deems unworthy or incapable.
Faith in the Small Things
What Underrated does particularly well is highlight Curry’s reliance on faith—not in an overt, preachy way, but through the quiet moments that speak volumes. From his college years to his professional career, Curry leaned heavily on his belief in God to guide him through disappointments, injuries, and moments of doubt.
Take, for instance, the way he approaches failure. This documentary doesn’t gloss over Curry’s missteps or setbacks. Instead, it lingers on them, inviting viewers to reflect on how he responded. When a bad game or a brutal loss threatened to shake him, Curry returned to his foundation. His faith didn’t make the challenges disappear, but it gave him a lens through which to view them: as opportunities to grow, rather than as final verdicts on his worth.
For Christians watching this film, Curry’s response to failure feels like a living example of Romans 5:3-4: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The film gently underscores this truth without ever needing to spell it out.
A Portrait of Resilience
Resilience is the documentary’s heartbeat. Sure, the basketball highlights are mesmerizing, and Curry’s evolution into one of the NBA’s most dominant players is thrilling to watch. But it’s the quiet, in-between moments—those scenes that dwell on his determination to rise again after being knocked down—that resonate most deeply.
What sets Curry apart isn’t just his ability to drain impossible three-pointers; it’s the way he carries himself off the court. He’s not flashy in his victories or melodramatic in his losses. There’s a steadiness to him, a humility that feels rare in a world that celebrates bravado.
For Christians, this humility serves as a reminder of how we’re called to live. Curry’s example brings to mind Micah 6:8: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” In an industry where ego often runs rampant, Curry’s grounded approach feels like a breath of fresh air.
More Than a Basketball Star
Of course, Underrated is a basketball documentary, but it doesn’t limit itself to the sport. Instead, it paints Curry as a multidimensional person—an athlete, a husband, a father, and a man of faith. One of the film’s most touching threads is its exploration of his family life.
We see Curry interacting with his wife, Ayesha, and their children, and these moments of tenderness remind us that his success isn’t defined solely by his stats or trophies. His commitment to his family and his values makes his story all the more compelling.
For Christians, this focus on family is particularly meaningful. In a culture that often glorifies individual achievement above all else, Curry’s prioritization of his loved ones feels countercultural in the best way. It’s a reminder of the biblical call to love and serve others, particularly those closest to us.
Not Without Flaws
That said, Underrated isn’t without its shortcomings. The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly as it transitions from Curry’s college years to his NBA career. There’s also a sense that the film might have benefited from digging deeper into certain aspects of his life—his faith, for example, is present but not explored as fully as it could have been.
Still, these are minor quibbles in a film that otherwise delivers on its promise. Its light tone and accessible narrative make it easy to watch, even for those who don’t follow basketball closely.
A Lesson in God’s Timing
If there’s one overarching takeaway from Stephen Curry: Underrated, it’s this: trust the process. Curry’s journey wasn’t linear. He didn’t dominate right out of high school, and his NBA career didn’t take off immediately. But in God’s timing, everything fell into place.
For Christians, this message hits home. How often do we rush ahead, frustrated by delays, when God is asking us to wait and trust Him? Curry’s story is a reminder that the waiting isn’t wasted—it’s preparation.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often prioritizes the flashy over the faithful, Stephen Curry: Underrated is a refreshing anomaly. It’s a story about basketball, yes, but it’s also a story about character, resilience, and faith. Curry’s journey—from overlooked high schooler to NBA legend—isn’t just inspiring; it’s a testament to what’s possible when you remain grounded in your values and trust in a higher purpose.
For Christians, the film serves as a dual reminder: that God often uses the unexpected to accomplish great things and that success, in His eyes, is measured not by trophies or accolades but by the impact we have on others.
Rating: 8/10. Whether you’re a basketball fan or just someone looking for a story that uplifts and inspires, Stephen Curry: Underrated is well worth your time.
