Ah, yes, another biopic about a sportsman or underdog team. Why would it be about someone you would expect to see win anyway, right? As I may have mentioned before, being the underdog is something that makes America the nation that it is today, in some respects…although that might be hard for some to imagine at this point. As I have also heard someone say, “If the favorite won every time it would take the thrill out of watching sports.” Perhaps we can, at least, all agree with that.
As I sat in the small movie theater waiting for “Next Goal Wins” to begin, I was discussing, with a fellow viewer, what sort of expectations to have, going in. The first title that came to mind was “Cool Runnings” and with good reason. This true story, much like that one, is one we do not celebrate or know nearly as much about compared to, say, “Miracle.” Is it any coincidence that these two titles have been released nearly 30 years apart to the date? Actually, yes. It probably is. As far as I can tell, the two movies have no connection to each other. However, could that make things just a little bit more-compelling?…maybe?
The screenplay is based on a documentary, going by the same name, which was first released nine years ago. In this case, the story has been adapted into a fast-paced, witty comedy-drama, directed by the incomparable Taika Waititi (“Thor: Love and Thunder”). I will never forget my first experience watching “What We Do in the Shadows,” which may, indeed, keep my respect for Waititi afloat long enough to survive The Flood. Not only did he co-write the screenplay with Iain Morris; he also joined Jonathan Cavendish (“No One Gets Out Alive”), Garrett Basch (“Deep Water”), Mike Brett and Steve Jamison as a producer on the project. Watch out for his competent skills as the narrator…and very colorful garments. Why have I never seen my pastor wear such an outfit?
“Next Goal Wins” stars Michael Fassbender (“The Killer”) as Thomas Rongen, the American soccer player and coach who was assigned to lead the hapless American Samoa national football team, after years upon years of futility in international play, including a 31-0 drubbing, all the way back in the year 2001. There is a very humorous scene in which Rongen is fired from his current coaching position and guided through the Five Stages of Grief. Eventually, he hops a flight to the Pacific Ocean and begins his quest to save the last, remaining drops of dignity for Samoa…which might have been wasted on a foolish bet taken by the owner and manager of the national football team, Tavita, played by Oscar Knightley (“Moana”). Do not worry—you will see it and you cannot miss it, no pun intended.
Outside of Head Coach Rongen, the most-important character in “Next Goal Wins” is Jaiyah Saelua, played by Kaimana, who is a “fa’afafine;” the Polynesian equivalent to a third gender, among men and women. Although she reportedly did not begin transitioning until the year of 2015 and the timeline for “Next Goal Wins” places us in the year of 2013, she was, indeed, a focal point of the original documentary, as a non-binary athlete. It would seem the details were shifted around to make the story a bit more interesting or dramatic, but perhaps I am incorrect. I will only add that regardless of where any of us fall on the topic of transgenderism, it is a topic which is here to stay, so we all might as well get used to it and the sooner we all do, the better, as far as I am concerned.
The rest of the cast includes: David Fane (“Our Flag Means Death”) as Ace, Rachel House (“The Portable Door”) as Ruth, Beulah Koale (“Dual”) as Daru Taumua, Will Arnett (“Rumble”) as Alex Magnussen, Elisabeth Moss (“The French Dispatch”) as Gail and Uli Latukefu (“Black Adam”) as Nicky Salapu, the infamous goalkeeper during the 31-0 loss suffered by American Samoa. The cast goes on and on, mostly-comprised of unfamiliar faces, at least for American audiences, which works quite well for the story at hand.
I say to you now, “Next Goal Wins” is neither original or unpredictable, even if you do not know anything about the true story. However, the actual story is far less about what happens in the field of soccer play than it does about all the people who were involved in it. I even learned a thing or two, albeit superficial, about the Samoan culture and how it compares and contrasts to the mainland of these United States, as well as other Pacific islands, such as rival Tonga. So far, the reception appears to be mixed-positive, but my own response was never really in any doubt—positive.
There were times when I thought certain elements to the story were being dominated by other elements which did not need to be, but maybe my lack of reference to the original documentary made my perception a little less trustworthy. The story and its interaction with the characters was still, mostly rewarding and well-balanced, between the comedic and the serious moments. Fassbender proved, yet again, at least to me, that there is no role he cannot succeed in displaying competently. These people are easy to root for, my fellow audience members. “Next Goal Wins” is not trying to re-create the wheel and it does not need to. Consider this one a spiritual successor to all the biographical sports films you have seen in recent years. I will bet you that it will work, in the end.
Director: Taika Waititi
Screenwriters: Waititi and Iain Morris
Based on: “Next Goal Wins,” by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Rhys Darby as Rhys Marlin, Angus Sampson as Angus Bendleton, Luke Hemsworth as Luke and Kaitlyn Dever as Nicole
Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Release dates: September 10th, 2023 (TIFF) and November 17th, 2023 (United States)
