Netflix’s inspiring sports drama takes a challenging subject and imbues it with hope

Rez Ball
is a moving sports drama based on true events that rock a small community after a suicide. The film approaches challenging topics, while also focusing on the hope and unity the Native American community experiences despite tragic events. While a high school basketball team may be a fairly small part of daily life for most, it becomes the vehicle for healing, growing and thriving, especially for the new team captain, Jimmy Holiday.

The latest Netflix sports drama spotlights the high school basketball team, the Chuska Warriors, who have high hopes for the upcoming District Championships. However, when star player Nataanii dies by suicide after losing his mother and sister, the community is shaken. While this could have been a moment when the team fell into despair, they instead found a way to rally together, celebrate their fallen brother, and put their all into the tournament. Hope rubs off on the community, and in their darkest moment, the team shines brighter than ever before.

While Rez Ball Could have taken the story in several directions – by emphasizing the loss of the community, ignoring trauma to focus on sports, or focusing on the coming-of-age element – director Sidney Freeland, who also worked on shows like Echo And Reservation dogsBeautifully weaves all the story elements together so they are in perfect harmony. It’s no surprise that Freeland has such an impressive talent for storytelling, especially when it comes to highlighting the lived experiences of Native Americans. The sports focus is new, though, and Freeland does a great job of using the game as a vehicle for the story.

The film manages to highlight the struggles of the characters, while simultaneously revealing their resilience and strength. Despite this foundation, Rez Ball Becomes a detailed Native American tale – from the ups and downs of the community to their ability to lean on each other in times of need, and to their ability to innovate and play basketball in a distinctive style.

In addition to the narration, Rez Ball is also beautifully shot, highlighting natural wonders and gorgeous views that are underappreciated. All these elements combine to create something that feels greater and more important than the sum of its parts. Paired with intricately interwoven themes, the film becomes an elevated viewing experience.

Rez Ball is distinctly loose in feel

While Rez Ball Has major backing — from LeBron James, who serves as producer, and Netflix — it still maintains an indie film feel. Although the acting is not always spectacular, it does not change the flow of the story. The cast does a great job of creating an emotional story, with the lead, Kauchani Bratt, being a particular standout.

However, the nearly two-hour runtime feels bloated and unnecessary. There are some scenes where things stand for just a few seconds too long and there are other moments that can be cut entirely. Unfortunately, this has an impact on the formation. All things considered, however, Rez Ball is a wonderful sports drama with a story that is both insightful and inspiring.

Rez Ball is now streaming on Netflix.