The worst team in the world
Manager: Taika Waititi
Artists: Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, Kaimana
Premiere: 12/27/23
★★
In Taika Waititi’s cinema, the impulse to poke at political incorrectness is a recurring thread, sometimes playful, sometimes provocative. Across his body of work, from the mischievous bravado of Marvel-adjacent adventures to the provocative resonance of Jojo Rabbit, he has shown a knack for ruffling eardrums while remaining tethered to human moments. The film in question leans toward gentleness rather than shock—a rare tilt in a director known for bold moves. It offers an unconventional spin on a familiar sports narrative, centering on the American Samoa football team, long labeled the weakest on the world stage yet repeatedly finding resilience in the face of crushing defeats, including a historic 31-0 loss to Australia.
In this tale, a Dutch coach portrayed by Michael Fassbender steps in with the intention of uplifting the players and rebuilding their confidence. The plot follows the initial resistance and the subsequent trust that forms between coach and team, while also charting the coach’s own personal struggles and redemptions. Rather than wallowing in tragedy, the film leans into hope, offering a feel-good experience that playfully critiques the clichés of sports cinema. The result is a movie that blends generosity with light jabs at the genre, eschewing darker undercurrents for a more buoyant, uplifting mood. This is a film that aims to leave audiences with warmth rather than unease, inviting viewers to root for a team that keeps finding ways to persevere. The performances from Fassbender, Moss, and Kaimana anchor the narrative with a quiet, stubborn humanity that resonates beyond the scoreboard.