The Beautiful Game (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – Advocates to end homelessness, organize an annual tournament for Homeless men to compete is a series of football matches known as The Homeless World Cup.

My Take – Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Particularly an uplifting sports one? Something which portrays how passion and humility in a game can change lives, especially for those who have lost their way. On that front, this latest Netflix release, absolutely delivers.

But what makes it even more engaging is that it based on the existence of an actual event that might come as a surprise to many, including myself. A real international soccer tournament called the Homeless World Cup. The first one was held in 2003, and in the past two decades, nearly 70 countries and 1.2 million people have participated. The foundation’s goals are noble, raising awareness for homelessness in major world cities and giving players a sense of pride and community.

Colin Farrell, the narrator of the documentary Kicking It (2008), who has since become an ambassador for the foundation, acts as one of the main producers on the film.

With stories taken from this international gathering, screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Goodbye Christopher Robin), who collaborated with past participants and the foundation to bring authenticity to the narrative and characters, and director Thea Sharrock (Wicked Little Letters) have created a heartwarming cinematic experience that clearly aims at encouraging and motivating. A complete crowd-pleaser that almost fills the ‘Ted Lasso’ shaped hole in your life.

Yes, it adopts a formulaic approach and forgoes the realistic elements of the harsh documentary, however while doing it also manages to encapsulate genuine emotions and truthfully address the essence of its subject matter, making it something for all ages to watch and appreciate.

It also helps that it stars acting powerhouse Bill Nighy, who along with the rest of cast, does a good job of showing just how exciting watching football can be, a feat not many films have accomplished.

The story follows Vinny (Micheal Ward), a talented but troubled striker, who lives out of his car and pretends he’s not homeless, trying his best to make it up to his young girl, despite being a down-on-his-luck dad. However, opportunity comes knocking for him when he is rescued by Mal (Bill Nighy), a football legend, who saves him from disturbed parents who do not appreciate his showmanship in a field where children were meant to be practicing.

See, Mal has put together a team to represent England at the Homeless World Cup, and he extends an invitation for him to join Nathan (Callum Scott Howells), Aldar (Robin Nazari), Kevin (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), Cal (Kit Young) and Jason (Sheyi Cole). Vinny, however, doesn’t want to admit that he has fallen on hard times, in their initial meeting, he is openly disdainful of the other team members, and appears to take offense at their assumption that he’s homeless as well.

But he gets the nudge he needs after a heartbreaking meeting with his little daughter and ex, and finally decides to join Mal and the boys on their World Cup campaign in Rome. But what he initially doesn’t know is that not all the players in this team are from the UK. One of them is a stateless Syrian refugee. And more worryingly, only one among them can actually play football.

Obviously, this is all just a set up for the classic redemption arc for Vinny and an underdog triumph, yet to its credit, the film doesn’t always pan out as you’d expect. For example, Vinny is genuinely unlikable for most parts, and it’s a testament to Micheal Ward‘s performance that you remain invested, hoping Vinny will get better.

While Vinny and the England team are the primary focus, there are subplots given to Japan, a first-time team full of older players and an ambitious young coach Mika (Aoi Okuyama), the United States with a star player Rosita (Cristina Rodlo), a and to South Africa, the best of the bunch under the leadership of a hilariously shrewd nun Protasia (Susan Wokoma). Each with their unique tales and ambitions.

For an ensemble as big as this, the story does an admirable job of giving most something meaningful to do. Sure, the approach is sanitized, and while it does sometimes stray into darker territory when covering issues such as addiction and homelessness, it never overwhelms the film and the overall message is one of hope and joy.

It also thoughtfully explores themes of redemption, invisibility, pride and sportsmanship without being preachy or condescending. But most of all it’s a message about how connecting with people makes you stronger, and how being alone isn’t really being strong.

It’s also about looking beyond social status and seeing people for who they are, the ability to come together despite background if there’s kindness and being able to recognize yourself in people you might not know could be someone you really needed. Indeed, it’s one of the better sporting underdog stories of recent times, and it’s build on important foundations.

Performance wise, the film allows Michael Ward to showcase his breakout talent. Bill Nighy is always the cool and collected one who steals the show every time he’s on screen. Kit Young is also highly likable. The broader ensemble consisting of Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Callum Scott Howells, Sheyi Cole, Robin Nazari, Cristina Rodlo, Aoi Okuyama, Susan Wokoma, and Valeria Golino add good value to the feature. On the whole, ‘The Beautiful Game’ is a well-intentioned, feel-good sports drama that is both heavy and heartwarming.