“Rez Ball”, directed by Sydney Freeland and co-written by Sterlin Harjo, is a compelling sports drama that resonates beyond the court. The film follows the Chuska High School Warriors, a Native American basketball team from New Mexico, striving for greatness amidst personal tragedies and the weight of their cultural heritage. Based on Michael Powell’s nonfiction novel Canyon Dreams, the movie delves into the intersection of sports, community, and identity, making it more than just a typical underdog sports story.
Plot Overview
The movie opens with the Chuska Warriors, led by their star player, Nataanii Jackson, riding high after securing a major win. However, the mood quickly shifts when Nataanii, haunted by the death of his mother and sister in a tragic accident, takes his own life. His absence devastates the team and particularly his best friend, Jimmy Holiday, portrayed with nuance by Kauchani Bratt.
While the film doesn’t dwell extensively on Nataanii’s suicide, it uses his death as a pivotal moment that forces the team to confront their fears and insecurities. Jimmy, who has always played in Nataanii’s shadow, is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, and the pressure is almost unbearable. With the help of their coach, Heather Hobbs (Jessica Matten), the team begins to rebuild, utilizing Navajo traditions as part of their playbook.
The film’s narrative is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. As the team struggles through losses, they discover their strength by embracing their cultural identity, which plays a key role in their eventual success on and off the court.
Character Analysis
- Jimmy Holiday (Kauchani Bratt): Jimmy’s transformation from a reluctant follower to a confident leader is the heart of the film. He carries the weight of not only his team’s hopes but also the struggles of his personal life. His relationship with his mother, Gloria (Julia Jones), adds depth to his character. Jimmy’s journey is one of self-discovery, where he learns to balance the expectations of his family, his community, and his own desires.
- Heather Hobbs (Jessica Matten): As the team’s coach, Heather brings a unique blend of discipline and empathy. She pushes the players not just to succeed in basketball, but to respect and value their Navajo heritage. Her struggles with her own career failures parallel the team’s challenges, making her a compelling and relatable figure.
- Nataanii Jackson (Kusem Goodwind): Though Nataanii’s screen time is short, his presence looms large throughout the film. His tragic death serves as both a warning and a catalyst for change within the team, particularly for Jimmy. Nataanii’s character represents the burdens that many Native American youths face, caught between their aspirations and the harsh realities of life on the reservation.
- Gloria Holiday (Julia Jones): Gloria, Jimmy’s mother, is a former basketball star who never quite lived up to her potential. Now battling alcoholism, she’s a complex character who both supports and undermines Jimmy’s ambitions. Her storyline adds emotional weight to the film, illustrating the generational trauma and cyclical nature of life on the reservation.
Visuals and Cinematography
Freeland’s direction, combined with breathtaking cinematography, captures the beauty and isolation of the New Mexico reservation. The vast, open landscapes contrast sharply with the tight, fast-paced basketball sequences, symbolizing the characters’ internal conflicts between freedom and entrapment. The camera work during the basketball scenes is fluid and energetic, placing the audience right in the middle of the action. Slow-motion shots heighten the intensity during key moments, emphasizing the physical and emotional stakes of each game.
However, what truly sets Rez Ball apart from other sports dramas is its attention to cultural detail. Freeland and Harjo skillfully incorporate Navajo traditions into the film, not only through language but also through visual motifs and symbolic gestures. For instance, the use of Navajo language in play-calling becomes both a tactical advantage for the team and a poignant reminder of their heritage. The sheep-herding team-building exercise, while unconventional, visually ties the team’s struggle to their cultural roots.
Themes and Messages
At its core, Rez Ball is a story about resilience and identity. The film explores the tension between tradition and modernity, particularly how Native American youth navigate their cultural legacy while striving for success in a world that often overlooks them. The theme of perseverance is omnipresent, whether it’s through Jimmy’s personal growth, Heather’s coaching, or the team’s collective journey.
The film also doesn’t shy away from addressing tough issues like suicide, alcoholism, and unemployment, all of which disproportionately affect Native American communities. Yet, despite these heavy topics, Rez Ball manages to remain hopeful. The players find strength in their community and heritage, and the film suggests that embracing one’s identity is key to overcoming adversity.
Comparison with Other Films
In many ways, Rez Ball follows the familiar beats of sports dramas like Remember the Titans or Hoosiers, where an underdog team faces insurmountable odds to achieve greatness. However, what sets Rez Ball apart is its focus on Native American culture and the specific challenges faced by communities on the reservation. The film feels more personal and grounded compared to its counterparts, much like Smoke Signals or The Grizzlies, which also center on Indigenous experiences.
Unlike other sports films that might focus solely on the games, Rez Ball is more interested in the people playing them. The basketball scenes, while well-executed, serve more as a backdrop to the real story — the emotional and psychological journey of the characters.
Direction and Screenwriting
Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo’s screenplay strikes a balance between drama and humor, with moments of levity provided by the team’s camaraderie and the ever-present radio announcers, who inject humor with their endless frybread jokes. The pacing of the film is tight, with few moments wasted on unnecessary exposition. Freeland’s direction keeps the focus on the characters’ emotional arcs, allowing their development to take precedence over the actual games.
One area where the film could have improved is in the development of its supporting characters. While Jimmy and Coach Hobbs are well-rounded, other characters, like Amber Midthunder’s Dezbah Weaver, don’t receive as much screen time as they deserve. Nevertheless, the film’s central narrative remains compelling.
Final Verdict
Rez Ball is a deeply affecting film that transcends the sports genre by weaving in themes of cultural identity, loss, and resilience. While it may not reinvent the sports drama formula, its unique perspective and strong character work make it a standout entry in the genre. Sydney Freeland’s direction and the authentic performances from the cast, especially Kauchani Bratt and Jessica Matten, elevate the film, making it a must-watch.
For those looking for an inspirational story that also offers a window into Navajo culture and the challenges faced by Native American communities, Rez Ball is highly recommended.
If you haven’t yet seen Rez Ball, now’s the time to experience this powerful and culturally rich sports drama. Watch the trailer here on YouTube and check out more details on where to watch the full movie here.
