A fresh take on ‘Rez Ball’: A high-speed journey through Indigenous sports drama
“We run fast, we shoot fast, and we don’t ever stop,” declares Heather (Jessica Matten) to her Chuska Warriors in the film Rez Ball. This directive encapsulates the essence of director Sydney Freeland’s third feature, a brisk yet genuinely rousing underdog story that reimagines the sports drama from an Indigenous perspective.
A new perspective on sports drama
The film opens with a high-energy basketball game, where the national anthem hasn’t even finished before both teams have racked up 40 points. This frenetic pace mirrors the urgency of the story, which aims to offer a fresh take on the genre by incorporating Indigenous elements. For instance, having “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung in Navajo adds a unique cultural layer that elevates the film beyond the typical sports drama.
Streaming on Netflix, Rez Ball has the potential to reach a broader audience than a traditional theatrical release might. This accessibility is crucial for a film that seeks to tell a story often overlooked in mainstream cinema.
The weight of expectations and personal struggles
Older audiences might recognize the familiar playbook as the Chuska Huskies strive to become more than the sum of their parts. However, the film takes a jarring turn when star players Jimmy (Kauchani Bratt) and Nataanii (Kusem Goodwind) discuss their future. Nataanii’s question, “Do you ever think about getting out?” isn’t about college but life itself, highlighting the heavy burdens these young athletes carry.
Nataanii, despite his promising basketball career, is devastated by the loss of his mother and sister in a drunk driving accident. His grief leads him to take a year off and eventually follow through on suicidal thoughts, leaving the team in disarray. The coach, a former WNBA player considered a hometown hero, also struggles with her own desire to escape.
Balancing speed and sensitivity
While the film’s rapid pace keeps the narrative engaging, it sometimes glosses over serious issues like grief and alcoholism. Jimmy’s mother, Gloria (Julia Jones), is portrayed as a recovering alcoholic who appears well-spoken and put-together, serving the plot without delving deeply into her struggles. This could be seen as a departure from trauma-filled reservation films, focusing instead on the resilience and strength of the community.
In a genre where audiences expect certain formulas, these narrative shortcuts can be a blessing. The film’s efficiency allows it to explore unique challenges faced by the Huskies, making their journey all the more compelling.
Cultural richness and innovative strategies
Heather and Jimmy must rise as leaders despite a history of feeling second-class. The team practices by herding sheep on Heather’s grandmother’s land and cleansing their spirits with traditional ceremonies before hitting the court. One of the film’s most inspired moments is Jimmy’s idea to call plays in Navajo, preventing other teams from understanding their strategy. This leads to a charming subplot where he learns the language from his attractive co-worker (Zoey Reyes) at a burger stand.
A sleek, contemporary look
Rez Ball stands out by looking like a contemporary studio-level sports film, a mildly transgressive act given that reservation life is often depicted through a grittier lens. Cinematographer Kira Kelly uses a sleek Alexa 35 to capture the action, ensuring the film never feels like it broke a sweat to reach its climactic game.
Freeland and co-writer Sterlin Harjo inject enough humor and heart to pierce through the film’s glossy exterior. The finale, a rematch with Santa Fe Catholic, offers a twist on cultural appropriation, showing it working in favor of the Indigenous community. This clever spin adds depth to a film designed to entertain a broad audience.
A broader enjoyment
While Rez Ball follows some familiar sports movie tropes, it succeeds in making the enjoyment even broader by incorporating Indigenous culture and perspectives. The film’s unique elements and high-energy storytelling make it a standout in the genre, offering a fresh and engaging experience for all viewers.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit Rez Ball.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Rez Ball, highlighting its unique elements and cultural significance. By incorporating personal reflections and in-depth analysis, it offers a richer reading experience for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.