Next Goal Wins

Official Australian release date: 1/1/24. Viewed: 4/1/24.
Director: Taika Waititi
Actors: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane
Genre: Comedy / Biopic
Rating: PG

‘Next Goal Wins’ is Taika Waititi’s 8^th film as director, and is another heartfelt little comedy gem, much more similar to ‘Boy’ and ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ than his other films. It’s based on a true story, after the Socceroos beat American Samoa 31-0 in a World Cup Qualifier in 2001. The ‘boss’ of American Samoa Football, Tavita (Kightley) then hires semi-disgraced coach Thomas Rongen (Fassbender) to try to help them to score just one goal.

Thomas doesn’t necessarily want to be there and the reasons for his anger are slowly revealed over the course of the film. The other main character who has a nice journey is Jaiyah (Kaimana), which is portrayed very well. Sadly it was filmed in Hawaii – not American Samoa or Tonga, but still looks great and gives it a tropical Polynesian vibe. Most of the film follows common misfits-to-sporting-heroes tropes, but is still based in reality – i.e. the team doesn’t go on to win the World Cup or anything! Good support cast, with Waititi favourites Rachel House & Rhys Daby present and small roles for Will Arnett & Elizabeth Moss, and the over-zealous Australians, Angus Sampson & Luke Hemsworth.

The soundtrack is good, and the portrayal of American Samoan culture is done well, particularly the pre-match war dances. The pacing is also good, with it not being too long, and there’s a nice balance between jokes and some of the touching/character-building moments. It’s nice to see Thomas come around and the positivity and happiness all the American Samoans show him and each other. The final game is well-edited and exciting, a fitting finish.

Overall: Simple, uplifting soccer story

Gav's Rating: 4 stars.