Rez Ball (2024) Movie Review & Ending Explained

Rez Ball (2024) Netflix Review

Netflix’s Rez Ball sets out to capture the emotional highs of a classic sports drama. Like a basketball free throw, it appears straightforward but still demands precision in execution. Director Sydney Freeland achieves this balance by skillfully weaving Navajo culture into the familiar framework of a sports movie. While Rez Ball doesn't break new ground, it offers a fresh, heartfelt perspective by exploring an unfamiliar world.

Plot Summary:

Set in New Mexico, the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team of Native American players, are led by star player Nataanii Jackson. However, Nataanii has been absent from the court, struggling with depression after the tragic loss of his mother and sister. His close friend and teammate, Jimmy Holiday (Kauchani Bratt), supports him through daily practices. Encouraged by Jimmy’s unwavering friendship and the firm guidance of their coach Heather Hobbs (Jessica Matten), Nataanii eventually returns to the team. With his comeback, the Warriors win their first game of the season, but Nataanii’s demeanor is noticeably distant.

Tragedy strikes as Nataanii takes his own life just before the team’s second game, leaving everyone, especially Jimmy, shattered. Jimmy’s mother, Gloria (Julia Jones), tries to console him, but her own struggles with addiction complicate their relationship.

As the team suffers a string of nine consecutive losses, Coach Hobbs reaches out to her former coach, Benny (Ernest Tsosie III), for help. Together, they reignite the team’s spirit, employing unconventional Navajo methods such as herding sheep as a team-building exercise. These methods, along with a newfound unity, help the Warriors win their remaining games and secure a spot in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Gloria’s journey runs parallel to the team’s. She begins to overcome her alcoholism, finding work and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. As she begins to rebuild her life, she reconnects with Jimmy’s passion for basketball, remembering her own lost dreams of a professional career in the sport.

Review:

Freeland, alongside co-writer Sterlin Harjo, navigates the familiar terrain of sports dramas without making the film feel predictable. By introducing a gut-wrenching twist early on, Rez Ball draws you in only to subvert expectations. The focus shifts from Nataanii, the expected hero, to Jimmy, who must now carry the weight of leadership both on and off the court. While the movie eventually falls into the conventional beats of a sports film—team bonding, internal conflicts, a losing streak leading to a dramatic comeback—it’s the cultural backdrop that sets Rez Ball apart.

The film’s young Native American cast brings depth and authenticity to the roles. Kauchani Bratt delivers a standout performance as Jimmy, conveying the character's emotional struggles with sincerity. Though basketball action isn’t the central focus, when it does appear, cinematographer Kira Kelly captures it with energy and precision.

Ending Explained:

In a fast-paced montage, we learn the Warriors reach the state championship final, where they face the dominant Santa Fe Coyotes, led by their star player, Mason Troy (Sam Griesel). The Coyotes taunt the Warriors, having previously defeated them earlier in the season. However, in a surprising twist, the Coyotes have learned Navajo, eliminating the Warriors’ advantage in communication.

Despite this setback, Coach Hobbs delivers an impassioned pep talk, reminding the team that their strength lies in the Navajo spirit, not just the language. Rallying around her words, the Warriors fight back. In a tense final moment, Jimmy is awarded three free throws after being fouled. Missing the first shot, he steadies himself, thinking of Nataanii and his mother, and makes the remaining two, clinching the victory.

What’s Next for Jimmy and Gloria?

Though Gloria had not attended any of Jimmy’s previous games, she makes a desperate attempt to watch him play in the final. Stopped by the police due to prior legal issues, she is detained but allowed to listen to the game on the radio. Hearing Jimmy score the winning points, Gloria is filled with pride. Later released on bail, her bond with Jimmy strengthens, and she begins to rebuild her life. Jimmy, now receiving multiple college offers, finds joy in a simple street basketball game with his mother, echoing the film’s opening scene where he played with Nataanii. The film closes on a hopeful note, with Jimmy forging a new future, having lost his best friend but regained his mother.

Coach Hobbs’ Journey:

A subplot revolving around Coach Hobbs feels underdeveloped. Once a WNBA player, Hobbs’ coaching journey reaches its peak with the Chuska Warriors’ championship win. Despite earlier rejection from college coaching positions, the victory leads to renewed interest from recruiters. However, Hobbs chooses to remain with her team, ready for another season. The film also hints at her personal growth, as she finally lets go of a past relationship, symbolized by a bittersweet text exchange with her ex.

This version retains the original story and analysis while presenting it in a new, refreshed way.