Movie Review: ‘Next Goal Wins’

Opening in theaters on November17th, ‘Next Goal Wins’ is the latest movie from New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi and sees him deploying a familiar blend of sweet and silly.

In the past few years, Waititi has spent his time flip-flopping between the giant likes of Marvel movies (he directed 2017’s ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, which was a resounding success and last year’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, generally seen as less of a hit) and the territory at which he has excelled, the low-key comedy.

This new effort, which Waititi actually shot before ‘Love and Thunder’, got caught up in the bizarre Armie Hammer sex text scandal, which resulted in the actor being replaced in the film by Will Arnett, with scenes re-shot to accommodate the change.

Yet with extra time to noodle on the movie, has the usually reliable (and Oscar-winning) filmmaker scored a winner? The answer is yes and no.

Does ‘Next Goal Wins’ hit the back of the net?

Michael Fassbender in ‘Next Goal Wins.’ Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

‘Next Goal Wins’ was always going to be tricky proposition given its soccer content (a sport that, while it has vastly grown in popularity in the States, in large part to the efforts of its women’s national team is still sometimes niche entertainment.

Yet the focus here is on the personalities and the underdog spirit of the natives of American Samoa, who for years had the reputation of the worst national soccer team in the world (well earned, since they could seemingly not score a goal –– and lost 31-0 to Australia in a world cup qualifier back in 2001.

What could have been seen as mocking of small-town (or island mentality) is instead a warm embrace –– not that anyone would have expected that of the director with some Māori in his family background and who makes strides in representation.

Because the movie is based on the 2014 documentary and references real-life events, there are only so many paths he could have taken with this one, but the road he chooses to travel is genuinely funny and moving places, even if it can feel familiar at times.

‘Next Goal Wins’: Script and Direction

Taika Waititi on the set of ‘Next Goal Wins.’ Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

Waititi wrote the script with Iain Morris, an English writer who created British sitcom ‘The Inbetweeners’ and collaborated with the director on HBO’s ‘Flight of the Conchords’. The combination works here; it all feels very much in the Waititi style and comedy patter, featuring lots of undercutting of moments and confounding expectations. It chugs along at a fair pace, though at an hour and 45 minutes, there are moments that could still have been trimmed.

Sometimes, though, like Rongen’s habit of cribbing from other speeches to power his own motivational locker room talks, Waititi and Morris do end up borrowing from other, better movies from the genre and the style to find meaning and heart in the movie.

There are some very expected steps here, and not every plotline hits its mark. The interaction between Rongen and transgender player (Kaimana) turns nasty at one point, fueled by Rongen’s frustration with the team’s lack of ability, and he calls her by her old, “registered” name. The incident is soon glossed over and is never really addressed again. Though the two do have a touching/inspirational moment later in the film, it feels like an untied thread.

In terms of the directing style, Waititi largely lets the story lead the flow of the film and has the benefit of some beautiful locations (albeit in Hawaii, not American Samoa).

Related Article: Actor Chris Hemsworth Talks Marvel’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

‘Next Goal Wins’: Performances

Kaimana and the cast of ‘Next Goal Wins.’ Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

Michael Fassbender is the driving force of the film, showing off some solid comic chops and making you believe in Rongen’s arc as he evolves from frustrated former pro to happy coach.

But the various players all have a moment or two to shine, with newcomer Kaimana proving more than up to the challenge of the conflicted Jaiyah, who is struggling with her own gender identity and confidence issues. There’s also great work from the likes of Oscar Kightley as the endlessly positive Tavita, president of the local island’s football association (not to mention also restauranter and cameraman for the local TV show that interviews notable people arriving at the airport).

And, of course, Waititi regular Rachel House makes an impact as Tavita’s wife, Ruth, the power behind the throne.

The more famous actors, such as Elisabeth Moss and Will Arnett, largely take a backseat (Moss’s character in particular is mostly thankless), but another Waititi repeat collaborator, Rhys Darby has a fun moment near the start.

‘Next Goal Wins’: Final Thoughts

(L to R) David Fane and Michael Fassbender in ‘Next Goal Wins.’ Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

There is plenty of gentle joy to be found here. ‘Next Goal Wins’ definitely won’t be accused of being startlingly original or game-changing in any way, but it fits perfectly into the director’s canon of movies such as ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and ‘What we Do in the Shadows’. It can’t compare to either or those (or his award-winning ‘Jojo Rabbit’), but it’ll certainly be the cause of a few smiles and one or two tears.

If this is the result of Waititi taking more time away from the MCU, then the audience is the real winner.

‘Next Goal Wins’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

What’s the story of ‘Next Goal Wins’?

Loosely based on a true story (first chronicled in a 2014 documentary of the same name), ‘Next Goal Wins’ looks to tell a heartwarming underdog tale.

The American Samoa soccer team suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, crashing out to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits down on his luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) to help turn their fate around.

Who else is in ‘Next Goal Wins’?

The ‘Next Goal Wins’ ensemble also includes Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Rachel House, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Chris Alosio, Rhys Darby, Kaitlyn Dever and Waititi (who pops up a couple of times as a local priest).

Michael Fassbender in ‘Next Goal Wins.’ Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

Other Taika Waititi Movies:

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