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| Images courtesy of Searchlight Pictures |
On April 11, 2001, the American Samoa soccer team had a bad day: they lost an embarrassing FIFA match against Australia 31-0, becoming widely considered one of the weakest teams in soccer history. For a period of time, their infamous reputation was almost laughable, which is perhaps why this incident became fodder for writer and director Taiki Waititi in his latest comedy Next Goal Wins, documenting this team’s foibles, their humble attempt to become not-quite-the-worst, and actually score a single goal next time.
The film largely centers around Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), a Dutch-American soccer manager with an explosive temper so notorious that he was shipped off to the American Samoa team to lead them closer to a victory (and perhaps more importantly, push him further away from everyone else who’s had to deal with him in the past). Unfortunately for him, the culture clash makes this cantankerous, whiskey-drinking curmudgeon’s assimilation among the painfully nice, easy-going American Samoans less than smooth. He’s entirely fed up with their happy-go-lucky attitude minutes after he steps off the plane, and it makes the already abysmally bad soccer players even worse in his book, and practically impossible to manage.
Next Goal Wins is most charming when it focuses on the American Samoan culture: their optimistic, small-town sensibilities are endearing to watch and veritably steal the show. The opportunity to showcase them in a film seems a perfect fit for New Zealander Taika Waititi, who revels in lovingly showcasing native cultures from his work on projects like Reservation Dogs and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Because the themes and tone of this film are so clearly in Waititi’s wheelhouse, audiences will likely be divided, depending on how much his schtick works for them. There are constant moments of this film that are quintessential Taika, particularly in the first half of it – so much so, in fact, that you can practically hear him saying the lines of all the American Samoan characters. For those who aren’t on his bandwagon, it won’t go over well. For all of his fans, however, the humor will be a delight, even if they’re not necessarily interested in sports.
The most disappointing moments of the film involve Thomas’s storyline. Despite giving it his all and being an undoubtedly talented actor, Fassbender seems slightly miscast as the misanthropic manager. Elizabeth Moss plays his separated wife Gail, and Will Arnett plays her new lover Alex, who also happens to be the head of the American Soccer Federation; they both equally don’t have much to work with and seem a bit miscast as well. There’s simply too much star power with too little to do in these roles, and the character arc Waititi attempts to give Thomas feels inorganic and rushed, especially near the film’s conclusion.
Perhaps one of the most standout performances is by Kaimana, who plays Jaiyah, historically the first openly trans and nonbinary person to play in a World Cup-qualifying game. While the majority of the players on the American Samoa team aren’t explored in depth in this film (if at all), she gets some well-deserved screen time and a few quality scenes with Thomas showing her acting chops. Her story is inspirational, exemplifying her team’s perseverance to keep going despite their reputation, but also displaying the courage to be herself in an industry that has shown people like her a great deal of adversity to this day.
The pacing of the film doesn’t do the story any favors, zippily treading along near the beginning and becoming increasingly sluggish as the film persists. The rhythm of the film doesn’t flow well and creates an imbalance between the two primary narratives at play. Some plot points feel omitted or abridged to save time, but rather than helping with the pacing, it makes the film progressively uneven. There’s also a sense that the film is trying too hard to be too many things to too many audiences, but doesn’t succeed entirely in most of them as a result.
Nevertheless, what Next Goal Wins actually does succeed in is having some sweet moments and laughs. One part “fish out of water” story, one part underdog sports movie, and all parts heart, this film is nothing you haven’t seen before, but Waititi’s unique voice and playfulness make it a fun watch for those who love him.
- Andrea Riley