Standout: The Ben Kjar Storydirected by Tanner Christensen
2026 · United States · 1h 39m
With no chance at an ordinary life, he lived an extraordinary one.
About
Standout tells the powerful story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warn that his life will be overshadowed by limitations. Ben yearns for an ordinary life free from the harsh scrutiny he faces daily. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignites a fire within him. Wrestling becomes his proving ground, a place where he learns to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushes himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arise and ridicule resurfaces, Ben finds himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a “normal” life, or fully embrace his unique path and boldly stand out.
Cast & crew
See allCast
- Ben Kjar
- LaCol Grant
- Anthony Robles
- Colton Fielding
- Emily Wadley
- Stana Kjar
- Scott Kjar
- Parker D. Vaughn
- Scarlett Hazen
- Alisia Abegg
- Aaliyah Booker
- Hadyn Call
- Nate Clark
- Logan Essig
- Shauna Essig
- Alayna Fielding
- Brooks Fielding
- Claire Grant
- Daryl Grant
- Valenna Grant
- Jill Haslam
- Katie Jenkins
- Greg Kjar
- Luke Kjar
- Grayson McDaniel
- Carole Mikita
- Louis Morales Jr.
- Zac Morby
- Tate Nelson
- Clint Pulver
- Dan Rascone
- Cyler Sanderson
- Shandell Smoot
- Jack Spates
- Wade Steed
- Jared Sumsion
- Bart Thompson
- Greg Williams
- Seth Wright
Why you'll love it
The closest match in spirit, blending a unique physical journey, the world of wrestling, and an inspiring search for freedom and belonging.
The Peanut Butter Falcon
2019 · US
Why you'll love it
The definitive underdog wrestling-adjacent story that mirrors the raw, gritty, and deeply emotional journey of physical self-discovery.
Rocky
1976 · US
Why you'll love it
Directly mirrors the use of combat sports as a vehicle for redemption and overcoming social alienation and bullying.
Never Back Down
2008 · US
Why you'll love it
A powerful, earnest exploration of finding one's own path and proving doubters wrong through the lens of professional wrestling/boxing.
Creed
2015 · US
Why you'll love it
An intimate and deeply emotional portrayal of a young person overcoming extreme physical limitations to find their voice.
The Miracle Worker
2000 · US
Why you'll love it
A powerfully earnest and hopeful true story about personal ingenuity overcoming physical and social adversity.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
2019 · GB, MW, US
Why you'll love it
A quintessential gritty sports drama that masterfully balances family dysfunction with the grueling path to success.
The Fighter
2010 · US
Why you'll love it
Matches the sports-drama intensity and gritty atmosphere while focusing on the struggle to overcome a toxic environment.
Youngblood
2026 · CA, US