The Winning Season - A Movie Review

Keep drama off the court.

After the basketball game, The Winning Season premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. Bill, a down-on-his-luck alcoholic, is offered a job to coach the high school’s girls’ basketball team. Egos collide as the team scrambles to work together, leading to deep conversations and team leadership.

My Sam Rockwell fan heart led me to this movie. The media has seen several sports-related movies centered on teamwork, dynamics, and learning to trust. The Winning Season stands out in its story, not just about a game, but a team discovering its identity both on and off the court.

I have said everything I can about the tremendous Sam Rockwell, who completely disappears into anything he does. As Bill, he learns more than he expected to be as the girls’ basketball coach. He’s both funny and showcases incredible dramatic abilities. Rockwell takes an average role on the pages and becomes the sports coach that everyone needs.

A strong ensemble of actresses fills the shoes of the basketball players. At the time of the movie, Emma Roberts (Abbie) was on her path to stardom. Abbie is the tough girl who keeps everyone together. Roberts has grown into an amazing actress. The rest of the cast includes Rooney Mara, Emily Rios, Shareeka Epps, Meaghan Witri, and Melanie Hinkle.

The actresses did a good job with their dynamic. They all have a story. Each girl has something they need to achieve. The girls argue, joke around, or go out to eat together. They share fun bonding moments.

One girl is on crutches the entire time. She’s mostly benched and cheering for the team, but I felt like more could have been done. Even with an injury, the player could have discovered different alternatives to continue to play.

One more woman powerforce joins the film, and this is the amazing Margo Martindale. In any small role she is given, Martindale enhances it to something more. She adds a needed female voice for the girls. More credits include Rob Corddry, Jessica Hecht, Shana Dowdeswell, Caitlin Colford, Connor Paolo, and Devin Retray.

The Winning Season may be your average sports film, but you can never have too many. Jim Strouse directed and wrote the film. Other films you may know by Strouse include The Incredible Jessie James and Love Again (one of my favorite films).

Strouse turns The Winning Season into something more. He chose to focus more on the characters and their complicated relationships than on the sports angle. The narrative is predictable, but feels fresh with the character interactions.

Strouse presents teamwork as something deeper than communication, exercise, or making sure the ball goes in the right hoop. True teamwork emphasizes the importance of looking out for your team. That moment where the girls band together to drive an intoxicated Bill home is a powerful testament to camaraderie.

The cinematography captures the spirit of the sports world, especially all the fast-paced running back and forth around the court. Some scenes could have lasted longer. In a couple of scenes, conversations between the girls cut off before they’re finished.

Aside from the sports world, this movie serves as a reminder that we all have lives beyond the court. Winning Season touches on subjects that were just beginning conversations in the early 2000s. Themes include alcoholism, sexuality, and relationships. This film was ahead of its time. Look out for yourselves and others.

Take a look at this underrated sports movie. It follows the usual sports formula, but the ending punches an exciting conclusion.