About the film (courtesy of Searchlight Pictures):
Next Goal Wins follows the infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0. With the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this humorous and heartfelt underdog story.
Next Goal Wins is a 2023 sports comedy film directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi. The film follows the American Samoa national football team, which is infamous for its 31-0 loss to Australia in the 2001 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With the 2014 World Cup qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) in the hopes that he can turn them into winners.
Next Goal Wins is a heartwarming and humorous underdog story that is sure to please fans of sports movies. Waititi’s signature sense of humor is on full display, and he does a great job of capturing the unique culture of American Samoa. Even if you know zero about football (we call it soccer in the US) or could care less about sports, you’ll get sucked in its disarming charm.
Fassbender is excellent as Rongen, a washed-up former professional footballer who is looking for a second chance. He brings a lot of heart and humor to the role. His character is a polar opposite from his last release, The Killer (2023) which just found its way to Netflix last week. Here’s a link to my review in case you’re curious.
The supporting cast of Next Goal Wins is also strong, including Uli Latukefu as Nicky Salapu, the team’s goalkeeper, and Semu Filipo as Rambo, the team’s power forward, Beulah Koale as the divisive player, Daru, Oscar Kightley as a jack of all trades on the island and many other sound performances by others. I suppose I should mention a couple of other of the more recognizable faces that help bring this story together such as Elisabeth Moss and Will Arnett.
The film’s biggest strength is its characters. Waititi creates a group of relatable and likeable characters who are easy to root for. Next Goal Wins scores with its humor, and it’s also a major plus. Waititi’s signature wit is on full display, and he does a great job of balancing humor with heart. The changing of pace keeps audiences on its heels never knowing it which direction the story is going to pivot. Kind of like a footballer on the pitch.
I suppose biggest weakness of Next Goal Wins is its plot. The story is a bit predictable, and there are no real surprises. However, the film’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it is an overall enjoyable experience.
I truly enjoyed the way that Waititi tells this story in a way that should engross the audience while creating a strong connection with this band of “unfortunates” who face tremendous odds again and again, all for the love of their country and this game.
Next Goal Wins is a feel-good film that will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. It is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination. You can see this very welcoming family film only in theaters just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday when it releases Friday, November 17th.
