Next Goal Wins (2023) Movie Review

Can a film be deemed formulaic if it draws inspiration from real events? Perhaps. Like any cinematic work, it ultimately hinges on the execution— the tone, the style, the narrative choices crafted by the filmmakers. "Next Goal Wins" serves as a compelling case study in this regard. This uplifting football comedy, co-penned and helmed by Taika Waititi (known for his work on two Thor films, "Jojo Rabbit," and more) alongside Iain Morris ("The Inbetweeners"), takes its cues from a true story. In 2014, Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen embarked on a mission to train the American Samoa soccer team, aiming to redeem their spirits and qualify for the FIFA World Cup, following a devastating 31-0 loss to Australia—the worst defeat in World Cup history.

Despite its adherence to a familiar underdog sports movie template, "Next Goal Wins" manages to resonate, often defying expectations. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of narratives centered on overcoming odds. One might even speculate if the film was a deliberate experiment, probing whether the underdog sports movie formula possesses an inherent emotional resonance, capable of eliciting tears and cheers, regardless of the film's overall quality.

From the outset, the film establishes a self-aware tone, with Waititi breaking the fourth wall in a prologue, teasing embellishments to the true story and blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Through a series of expository montages highlighting the team's humiliation and Rongen's arrival as a troubled, alcoholic figure, "Next Goal Wins" navigates familiar territory with a sense of detachment, occasionally nudging the audience with wry commentary.

One notable quirk of the film is its tendency to reference clichéd moments from other sports movies and mainstream cinema, almost as if acknowledging its own adherence to tropes. This meta-narrative layer adds a playful dimension, inviting viewers to reflect on the conventions of the genre while still engaging with the story unfolding on screen.

However, the film's reliance on Rongen as the central figure proves to be its Achilles' heel. Despite Michael Fassbender's prominent portrayal, Rongen's character lacks depth, overshadowing the ensemble cast of players and their families. The script struggles to flesh out these peripheral characters, reducing them to mere plot devices to facilitate Rongen's redemption arc.

Indeed, Rongen's journey from disillusionment to redemption forms the core of the narrative, intertwined with his evolving relationship with Jaiyah Saelua, a fa'afafine player who challenges gender norms and serves as a beacon of resilience. Yet, even Saelua's character feels constrained by the overarching focus on Rongen's personal growth, teetering dangerously close to reinforcing tropes of the "white savior" narrative.

Despite its shortcomings, "Next Goal Wins" offers glimpses of brilliance, particularly in its portrayal of American Samoa as a vibrant backdrop teeming with colorful characters and untapped potential. Through moments of levity and introspection, the film captures the essence of sports as a universal language, transcending boundaries of culture and circumstance.

In the end, while "Next Goal Wins" may adhere to a familiar formula, its greatest triumph lies in its ability to inspire hope and resilience, echoing the indomitable spirit of its underdog protagonists. As the credits roll, one is left pondering the enduring appeal of stories that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.