"Next Goal Wins," the latest offering from Taika Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris, is an intriguing blend of sports comedy and real-life drama. Based on the true story of the Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen, who in 2014 was tasked with reviving the American Samoa football team after their historic 31-0 defeat to Australia, the film intriguingly mixes factual events with fictional embellishments. While the film triumphs in many respects, it’s a quintessential example of the enduring charm of underdog sports narratives, even if it occasionally feels like it's merely going through the motions.
Right from the start, Waititi, known for films like "Thor" and "Jojo Rabbit," infuses the film with a tone that’s both self-aware and slightly irreverent. The film begins with a humorous prologue that sets the stage for a story that intertwines truth and fiction in a way that constantly keeps the audience guessing. The narrative follows the journey of Rongen, played with a somewhat unsteady hand by Michael Fassbender, as he takes on the challenge of training the demoralized American Samoan team.
However, "Next Goal Wins" doesn't solely revolve around football; it delves into the deeper aspects of human drama and cultural nuances. The movie, however, faces criticism for its choice of protagonist. Rongen’s character, a depressed and alcoholic figure, takes center stage, overshadowing other potential narratives that might have been more compelling. This focus on Rongen, coupled with Fassbender's somewhat lackluster performance, often detracts from the film’s potential.
The film also attempts to tackle the theme of redemption, particularly through Rongen’s interactions with Jaiyah Saelua, portrayed by Kaimana. Saelua, a fa'afafine (a third gender in American Samoa) and a pioneering figure in sports history, is unfortunately relegated to a secondary role that primarily serves to aid Rongen's character development. This dynamic, while touching on important topics, sometimes feels like it skirts the edges of deeper issues it could have explored.
Despite these narrative choices, "Next Goal Wins" shines in its final act, transforming into a rousing sports drama. The team's underdog spirit and their push against all odds are bound to stir emotions, thanks to the tried-and-tested formula of sports movies. Yet, the film’s attempt to blend comedy with darker, more complex themes results in a tone that can feel uneven and disjointed at times.
Waititi’s signature style – a mix of humor and heart – is evident throughout the film, but it clashes with the more serious aspects of the story. This juxtaposition is further accentuated by the film's stylistic choices, such as the whimsical title cards and nods to other sports movies, which seem to both embrace and mock the genre’s conventions.
"Next Goal Wins" ultimately emerges as a testament to the resilience of a particular cinematic formula. It proves that the underdog sports movie, despite its predictability, can still elicit cheers and tears from its audience. The film, however, leaves one pondering whether its reliance on this formula was a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the rich stories and cultural background of its real-life protagonists. While it does provide moments of genuine emotion and excitement, one can't help but feel that "Next Goal Wins" could have been so much more had it dared to venture beyond the safety of its chosen narrative path.
