A Legacy of Resilience: Reviewing for KING + COUNTRY’s ‘No Turning Back’

Review written by: Jay Heilman

When I first spun for KING + COUNTRY’s debut record, Crave, back in 2012, I knew I was listening to something special. But even after following Joel and Luke Smallbone for over a decade, attending every tour, and documenting their rise, I realized while watching their new documentary, No Turning Back, that I only knew half the story.

Picking up exactly where their 2024 hit film Unsung Hero left off, No Turning Back is the raw, unpolished sequel that fans have been waiting for. While Unsung Hero gave us the dramatic, Hollywood retelling of the Smallbone family’s migration from Australia to America, this documentary fills in the gritty details of the years that followed. It highlights Rebecca St. James’ meteoric rise to stardom in the CCM industry—a crucial bridge in the family’s survival—and then pivots to the chaotic, uncertain beginnings of Joel and Luke’s own musical development.

What struck me most was not the success, but the failure. The documentary does a phenomenal job of filling in the “holes” of their story, revealing industry rejections, health scares, and moments where the dream seemed all but dead. It is a testament to their resilience; despite every reason to fold, they refused to give up, embodying the very “burn the ships” mentality that would later define their biggest hits.

The narrative is further enriched by a chorus of voices who have witnessed this journey firsthand. The film weaves in interviews with family matriarch and patriarch, Helen and David Smallbone, as well as sister Rebecca St. James, grounding the story in their shared history. Additionally, industry heavyweights and friends like KB and Skillet’s John Cooper offer their own perspectives, painting a complete picture of the community intertwined with the band’s rise.

A Personal Connection

Watching the footage of a young Rebecca St. James navigating the industry brought back a flood of personal memories for me. In fact, my own journey as a music journalist is inextricably linked to this family.

In 2004, I found myself backstage at the Newsboys’ Adoration tour, preparing for the very first artist interview of my career: Rebecca St. James. To say I was nervous would be an understatement; I was terrified. Rebecca, sensing my anxiety, didn’t just sit for the interview—she ministered to me. She made it a specific point to put my nerves at ease, treating me with a grace that I have never forgotten. After the interview concluded, she did something that defined my view of the Smallbone family forever: she stopped everything to pray with me.

Seeing that same spirit of faith and kindness depicted in No Turning Back confirms that what we see on stage is authentic to who they are off-stage.

From Winter Jam to Worldwide Arenas

The documentary also serves as a fantastic companion piece to their live shows, which I have been fortunate enough to witness from the very beginning. I saw them all three times they performed at Winter Jam—in 2012, 2015, and 2016. I remember watching that first run in 2012, seeing two energetic brothers try to win over a crowd with nothing but percussion and passion.

During the 2015 tour, I was able to spend some time with them backstage, and it solidified what I had always suspected: they are the real deal. They are two of the nicest and most genuine guys in the industry, remaining exactly the same behind the scenes as they are on stage.

I have attended every subsequent tour since, and it has been the highlight of my concert schedule year after year. To watch them grow from a support act to producing some of the most entertaining, high-production spectacles I have ever witnessed is breathtaking. No Turning Back pulls back the curtain on the work ethic required to build those arena-sized shows, proving that their theatricality is matched only by their musicality.

The Power of Partnership

One specific element of the documentary that touched me deeply was the focus on Joel and Luke’s wives, Moriah and Courtney. The film highlights just how instrumental they were in encouraging the brothers during those early, uncertain parts of their journey.

It is a reminder that our wives play a crucial role in our lives, especially when we, as husbands, feel that we aren’t good enough or fear that nothing great will come from our efforts. Watching Moriah and Courtney be that rock for Joel and Luke resonated with me personally. I know that is exactly how I feel about my own wife, who has offered me tremendous support and encouragement during the times when I felt I didn’t have anything left to give. Seeing that dynamic on screen was a beautiful testament to the strength found in a supportive marriage.

The Verdict

No Turning Back is more than just a band biography; it is a calling card for dreamers. For any viewer who harbors a dream to write, record, or perform, this film is a mandatory watch. It strips away the glamour to show that true success is found in seeking God’s will above your own.

The message is clear: if you are truly seeking what God wants you to do, you can move forward with a “No Turning Back” outlook. It won’t be easy, and the road will be paved with adversity, but if God is behind you, that resolve will take you further than talent ever could.

As I watched the credits roll, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I feel fortunate to have played a small part in their incredible story over the last 13 years—promoting their music, interviewing them for various projects, and highlighting their amazing tours. I am truly blessed to have met them many times, and this documentary is a beautiful reminder of why we follow them in the first place: not just for the music, but for the heart behind it.

You can stream No Turning Back exclusively on the new Wonder Project platform on Prime Video. The subscription is a worthwhile investment, granting you access not only to this amazing documentary but also to another new release called Redemption, which highlights the faith element behind OSU’s 2024 national championship run.

Rating: 5/5

⇓ No Turning Back Press Junket with Joel and Luke Smallbone (11/21/2025) ⇓

⇓ Here are some photos of us with Joel and Luke over the years ⇓

Released: 11/23/2025 (Wonder Project on Prime Video)

Running Time: 81 Minutes (for KING + COUNTRY Films)

Rated: NR

Links for for KING + COUNTRY ‘No Turning Back’:

Official Site

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