Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
An inspirational story about the power of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, and an object lesson in what it really means to be a winner in life.
Next Goal Wins (2014) is a warmly received documentary following American Samoa's football team, ranked last in the world, as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup. The plot is genuinely uplifting and follows a compelling underdog arc that transcends sport. As a documentary, 'acting' reflects the naturalism and charisma of the real subjects, who are charming but unpolished on camera. Cinematography is competent and functional for the genre without being visually distinctive. The novelty is moderate — underdog sports documentaries are a familiar form, though the specific subject (the world's worst national team and the inclusion of trans player Jaiyah Saelua) gives it a distinctive human angle. The ending, however, is genuinely memorable and emotionally earned, landing with real power as the team finally scores their historic goal — a moment of pure, unscripted joy that elevates the film above its genre peers.