Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team from wooden spoon to winners.
The film is based on the true story of the international football team who had a brutal 31-0 loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, management decided to hire a renegade coach, Thomas Rongen.
The football team is a mixed bag with no direction and limited strategy. As a result, the coach uses some unorthodox methods to train them.
We meet some of the other team members and learn about their lives. Notable is the story arc of Kaimana (Jaiyah), who was the first transgender professional footballer.
I didn’t have any expectations going into this film and I thought it was a bit of fun. I enjoyed learning more about the American Samoa island life and culture.
It has Taika Waititi’s trademark humour which perhaps works better in some of his other films. He adds the needed comedy to some scenes and makes the story enjoyable.
The biggest issue with the film is Michael Fassbender didn’t suit the coach’s personality. And of course, the ending is super predictable.
If you’re after something light and heart-warming, then Next Goal Wins might appeal.
#NextGoalWins #Searchlight
About Next Goal Wins
Directed by Academy Award® Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and based on a true story, NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamously known for their brutal 31-0 loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy. Searchlight Pictures presents, In Association with TSG Entertainment, NEXT GOAL WINS starring Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Semu Filipo, Ioane Goodhue, Lehi Falepapalangi, Hio Pelesasa, with Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss. Directed by Taika Waititi, and penned by Waititi and Iain Morris, the film is produced by Jonathan Cavendish p.g.a., Garrett Basch p.g.a., Taika Waititi p.g.a., Mike Brett, and Steve Jamison. Executive Producers are Andy Serkis, Will Tennant, Phil Robertson, Kathryn Dean, and Josh McLaglen. Rounding out the team are the director of photography Lachlan Milne, ACS, production designer Ra Vincent, editors Nicholas Monsour; Yana Gorskaya, ACE, Tom Eagles, ACE, and Nat Sanders, ACE, costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, composer Michael Giacchino, and with casting by Mary Vernieu, CSA, and Michelle Wade Byrd, CSA.
Release date: Only in Cinemas 1 January 2024
Rating: PG (Consumer Advice: Mild themes and coarse language)
Running time: 104 minutes