Next Goal Wins (2023)

• Available: Cinema
• Director: Taika Waititi
• Writers: Taika Waititi & Iain Morris

Next Goal Wins, based on the 2014 documentary, is a comedic dramatisation the story of the American Samoa football teams attempts to improve from a world record 31-0 defeat. Experienced coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) is brought to the island by ambitious local F.A. head Tavita (Oscar Kightley) with one goal, to score one goal in a qualifying match. Can Rongen bring together this rag tag team to win, while tackling his own demons?

Having seen this, I’m a little surprised by the sniffy reviews it has received, personally, I think Waititi has created a heartwarming, light hearted under dog story, using the true story as a rough outline. If you want to understand the true story the 2014 documentary is the place to look, not this. But if you want an enjoyable and engaging dramatisation of it, this could be for you.

Some of your enjoyment may well come down to how you feel about Waititi’s comedy, but that aside, this is a good hearted under dog story. It is full of sports story tropes, the flawed coach on his last chance. The rag tag no hopers and the feel good bringing them together into a team. But there is more to it, some thoughtful pieces around heritage and acceptance, fun with the white saviour narrative and a fascinating insight into trans gender acceptance in Jaiyah’s (Kaimana) story, a treatment that may a nation could learn from.

The story is formulaic and takes liberties with the true story. but it is funny throughout and touching at times. Performances are solid with Fassbender showing his comic touch, well supported by Kightley particularly but there are no missed steps from the cast.

What it does do surprisingly well is the football recreations, believable throughout even with the occasional comedic stretch!

While Waititi’s comedy may not be for everyone and some sniffy reviews confirm that. For me Next Goal Wins is a fun, uplifting occasionally touching feel good film and put an end of year smile on my face.