Isobel Grieve
Will Taika Waititi ever direct another film where he doesn’t indulge himself with a cameo? In a film that takes place just a year after our lead actor, Michael Fassbender, is accused of domestic abuse, Next Goal Wins follows the true story of the lost and grieving coach Thomas Rongen in his travels to American Samoa to lead their national soccer team to their first-ever win. Although Fassbender’s portrayal of famed coach Thomas Rongen is thick in his dramatic expertise with elements of Taika Waititi’s renowned New Zealand humor, the real stars of the film are the supporting cast playing the American Samoan soccer team and the locals cheering from the sidelines.
Indeed, the saving grace of this film is the casting of Kaimana in her debut as Jaiyah Saelua, the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Kaimana is brilliant, emotionally intuitive, funny and captivating to watch. Her debut in Next Goal Wins is a well-deserved spotlight on what was a hidden talent, and I hope to see her career blossom.
So many American Samoan soccer players are indeed mouth-wateringly handsome, I found myself distracted by their athletic physiques, dark eyes, and passionate tributes to their Samoan culture. Uli Latukefu is Nicky Salapu, the worst goalie in the world, who let in 31 goals at the 2002 World Cup but is also the best goalie on the island. When his broad, tall silhouette appeared for the qualifier, it was a great relief and a beautiful sight. Ioane Goodhue is Smiley; we don’t learn much about him or Chris Alosio as Jonah, but their comedic timing and bulky presence are perfect enough to fill the soccer team’s ranks.
Beulah Koale is Daru, son of Tavita (Oscar Kightley), the American Samoa Soccer Federation president, and Ruth (Rachel House). You may recognize House from some of Taika Waititi’s other works like Thor: Ragnorak or Hunt For The Wilderpeople. Rachel House is always a joy to watch. However, I am not as fond of the lightness of humour her character hits her family… I don’t think slapping your husband or son should be funny. Nevertheless, Koale is a brilliantly brooding man at odds with Rongen, although he eventually comes around.
Next Goal Wins is a charming, culturally broadening synonymous film to Apple TV+ Ted Lasso. There is also somewhat relation to John Candy’s film Cool Runnins about the Jamaican bobsled team. Foriegner coach comes to a failing sports league, and everyone walks away a better person. It’s trope-y, and boomers love a true story with predictability and a happy ending. And I have to agree; something is comforting about this formula and the comedy in the fish-out-of-water elements of the foreigner’s first landing and the players’ lack of tactile skill in their chosen sport. Reliable, funny, and motivational.
However, there are some controversial elements to Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins. Despite criticisms of Avengers: Endgame and the eventual Thor: Love and Thunder for their glaringly fatphobic jokes about Thor’s traumatic weight gain, Taika Waititi is persistent in pointing out and shaming fat bodies in Next Goal Wins. Although Thomas Rongen’s character eventually comes around to beloved trans character Jaiyah Saelua’s identity, there are moments where blatant transphobia is present on the screen. The matter of her trans identity not being recognized by the federation and used to the team’s advantage is slightly perplexing to a 2023 audience where these questions are in heated debate.
And then we’re brought back to the casting of Michael Fassbender. It’s not that I oppose how angry men can change. I watched Next Goal Wins, didn’t I? Is it not proof that angry men can change? And by all means, maybe this makes it perfect casting. Did Fassbender go method and learn something along the way?
Next Goal Wins premiered at TIFF to a roaring crowd with plenty of applause and appreciation, although it’s hard to say whether that esteem will continue the longer the film sits under scrutiny and keen eyes.
