HuluNext Goal Wins (2023)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 5.5
Overview
Dutch coach Thomas Rongen attempts the nearly impossible task of turning the American Samoa soccer team from perennial losers into winners.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Hulu
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Dutch coach Thomas Rongen attempts the nearly impossible task of turning the American Samoa soccer team from perennial losers into winners.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HuluApple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film's dominant themes of anti-colonialism, matter-of-fact LGBTQ+ inclusion, and emphasis on collective identity for a US territory align with progressive values, positioning it as left-leaning. Its solution to marginalization is found in cultural agency and inclusive community.
The movie prominently features indigenous and LGBTQ+ representation, including the authentic casting of a non-binary actor as a fa’afafine character, making these elements central to the story. However, it has also faced criticism for its use of the 'White Savior' trope, which frames the white male protagonist in a problematic role relative to the indigenous team, and for some perceived superficiality in cultural portrayal.
Secondary
Next Goal Wins offers a primarily positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes through Jaiyah Saelua, a fa’afafine transgender woman. Her identity is depicted as naturally accepted and respected within Samoan culture, portraying her as an inspirational figure with dignity and agency. Despite some criticism regarding the coach's initial transphobic behavior, the overall narrative affirms the worth and acceptance of queer identity.
The film portrays Christianity as an integral and respected part of American Samoan culture, depicted through daily practices like prayer, hymns, and church attendance. The narrative treats the faith with affection and respect, positioning it as a positive cultural backdrop and moral center for the community.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film accurately portrays Jaiyah Saelua as a trans woman and faʻafafine, consistent with her real-life identity and the source documentary. No characters in the film have an on-screen gender that differs from their established canonical or historical gender.
The film's casting aligns closely with the historical and cultural backgrounds of the characters. While some actors are of different Polynesian ethnicities than their characters (e.g., Māori actor playing a Samoan character), these shifts remain within the broader Pacific Islander racial category, which is excluded from the definition of a race swap.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
5.5
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
6.5
6.4
Critic Ratings
4.6
4.4
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