Next Goal Wins' Taika Waititi has revealed why filmmaking doesn't 'feel like a real job' and the importance of comedy.
Tackling feelings of loss, loneliness and hopelessness - particularly present post-pandemic - Next Goal Wins may sound depressing, but it's anything but.
It assists with navigating difficulties such as loss in a way which uplifts, cheers and soothes. Like a midfielder steadily dribbling the ball, Taika Waititi's film - of which he directed and co-wrote - may not result in a sweet strike, but after what a year 2023's been, sometimes 'feel good' is the only thing you need.
And for the people whingeing - 'There was no real soccer in the movie' - you've very much missed the goal and equally don't understand Waititi's whole approach to filmmaking, which he's sat down and talked to UNILAD about.
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Next Goal Wins is about the American Samoa national football team, known as the worst in the world, so what would you expect?
It's not the actual game, but the people playing it - whether it be the likes of its alcoholic coach who's been shipped over from America (played by Michael Fassbender) or Jaiyah Saelua (Kaimana), the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier - and the messages that result which matter in this movie.
The film has scores of heart and spirit, bringing humor and reassurance to those facing loss - in the multiple forms that can take. Throw in a bit of Dolly Parton to the team's first training session, alongside games such as 'Pigs and Wolf' and that says it all - the result of the movie very much reflects Waititi's 'silly' approach to creating films.
Waititi tells UNILAD he doesn't think he could stray away from his focus on comedy.
He explains: "I think there are plenty of other people who can do the hard-core, depressing films to remind us of just how terrible we are. They're really good at it [...] it's just something I probably would mess up. I think I have to put some humor in there, some life.
"I want people to walk away from my films feeling like there's good in the world [that] there's this idea even the lonely can find family in the most unlikely places. People are so closed off these days - the stranger comes into a community, no one wants to get to know them. It's in our nature to include people and some have lost their ability along the way."
Waititi also notes when he goes on set for a comedy, he's 'always really excited' because 'no one's found out yet this isn't a real job'.
The director continues: "You go and play in the sandpit with like-minded people who just want to make art or be silly, put masks on and silly outfits, and we pretend all day. And it's such a cool job.
"I just can't imagine going to work and having to try and pretend to be sad all day, and making other people pretend to be sad. And having a quiet set where it's just stress all day. That's not my jam."
And it's this duplicity, of Waititi's films being 'silly' and playful to deal with more serious and somber topics, which is perfectly represented by his latest project.
Next Goal Wins is, at it's s-core, just what 2023 needs. It reminds us to face one goal at a time, you may not win the first or the next one, but if you let people in - even if you do lose, you don’t lose alone.
Next Goal Wins shows there’s more to life than soccer, but there’s also more to life than one bad day, week, month or even year.
Oh, and the lack of proper football in the movie? Well, Waititi notes every film he does 'feels like it's a win' and ultimately, maybe we all need to take a note out of his scorebook and simply 'fall into' life, the opportunities that it throws and ultimately, try our best to 'just have fun with it'.
When did we all forget to just have fun?
Next Goal Wins is out in cinemas December 26, 2023.
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, World News, Taika Waititi
Poppy Bilderbeck