Now streaming on Disney+, following its theatrical release in late 2023, is the sports comedy-drama, Next Goal Wins. The movie – directed and co-written by Taika Waititi – is based on the 2014 football documentary of the same name, and stars Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, and Kaimana.
In the movie, the American Samoa national football team are notoriously bad. In 2001 the team was beaten 31-0 against Australia, and ten years on they still have a reputation for being one of the weakest football squads in the world.
However, things begin to look up when Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen travels to the island to lead the team. He has the skills to whip them into shape, and if he can work his magic they could qualify for their next match.
However, Rongen has a lot on his plate, including working through preconceptions about the team, as well as dealing with his own inner demons. But can he overcome all these obstacles to change the perception of the American Samoa team on the world stage, or are they forever doomed to be labelled as failures?
Light, fun, and with its heart in exactly the right place, Next Goal Wins is a thoroughly enjoyable comedy guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The film is loaded with witty dialogue, which keeps the laughs coming, while at the same time it tells an inspiring tale about hope and self-belief.
Sure, it’s a typical underdog story, the sort of thing featured in most sports movies, but what’s on offer here proves perfectly serviceable and likeable too. Next Goal Wins isn’t attempting to reinvent the wheel, it’s simply trying to deliver its story in a concise, enjoyable way, and it does this perfectly well.
There’s also very much a ‘home grown’ feel to the picture, which reflects the tale being told. This in turn ensures Next Goal Wins can sit comfortably alongside some of the bigger sports movies, and with its small-scale approach and endless positivity it proves to be a delightful alternative to grittier sports stories.
The script for Next Goal Wins comes courtesy of Taika Waititi and Iain Morris (co-creator of The Inbetweeners), and offers an even blend of comedy and drama. The film may bring the chuckles, but it also packs the right punch when needed and it is in the quieter moments where it truly shines.
One of the film’s strongest plot threads is the story of Jaiyah Saelua – a transgender player portrayed in the film by Kaimana. Saelua was the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, and her journey is retold in Next Goal Wins with care and respect.
At no point does the film attempt anything heavy handed, it merely presents Saelua’s story and demonstrates what an asset she is to the team. All of her scenes are played to perfection by Kaimana, who does a great job of representing the real-life football star.
Saelua’s story is also an example of how the film portrays island life and how everyone treats each other courteously. There’s fun to be had in the movie when it comes to speed limits and laid back attitudes, but at no point is anyone’s background or culture the butt of a mean spirited joke.
Thanks to careful direction, solid writing, a great cast, and an even yet playful tone, Next Goal Wins is a lovely little film. It’s not big, it’s not flashy, and it doesn’t break the mould, but it does what it sets out to do, and it does it well.
Next Goal Wins is a feel-good picture and a real hoot. If you’re looking for something sunny and breezy over the Easter weekend, look no further.
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