Next Goal Wins (2023)

Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins isn’t your average underdog sports story. It’s a sun-drenched odyssey, a hilarious clash of cultures, and a heartwarming testament to the power of community. We’re thrust onto the dusty shores of American Samoa, where the national soccer team holds the dubious honour of being the world’s worst. Enter Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), a washed-up coach with a temper shorter than a tiki torch. His mission? Whip these lovable misfits into shape for the World Cup qualifiers, a feat that seems as likely as a beach coconut spontaneously combusting.

Waititi, with his trademark blend of quirky humour and genuine pathos, expertly navigates the film’s tonal tightrope. Think Lost in Translation meets a soccer field when picturing Rongen’s cultural clashes. Then, suddenly, the players’ unwavering spirit and the island’s diverse cultural heritage move you. The film doesn’t shy away from the team’s underdog status, but it also avoids wallowing in self-pity. Instead, it celebrates their resilience, their infectious joy, and their unwavering belief in the impossible.

Fassbender delivers a nuanced performance as Rongen, a man grappling with his past demons while trying to inspire a team he barely understands. The supporting cast shines equally bright, with characters like the flamboyant Jaiyah Saelua (Kaimana), who is fa’afafine, a third gender recognised in Polynesian society, and the stoic goalkeeper Nicky Salapu (Uli Latukefu) injecting the film with humour and heart.

The cinematography is a character in itself, capturing the island’s breathtaking beauty and the raw energy of the game. The score, a vibrant mix of traditional Samoan music and pulsating electro beats, perfectly complements the film’s emotional rollercoaster.

While Next Goal Wins isn’t without its flaws—the pacing occasionally stumbles, and the ending might feel a tad predictable—its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It’s a film that reminds us that victory isn’t always about winning trophies but about finding your own “next goal” and chasing it with all your heart.

So, should you watch Next Goal Wins? Absolutely. It’s a crowd-pleaser in the best sense—a film that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer as you root for the underdogs who dare to dream big. It’s a cinematic sunshine break, a reminder that even in the face of impossible odds, the human spirit can soar like a perfectly executed bicycle kick.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)