Taika Waititi's 'Next Goal Wins' Highlights Underdog Story and Trans Representation

The film, based on the journey of the American Samoa national football team, features Michael Fassbender and nonbinary actor Kaimana, and is noted for its improvisational style and cultural representation.

Taika Waititi's new film, 'Next Goal Wins', is a return to his roots in low-budget character comedies, telling the story of the American Samoa national football team's journey from a humiliating loss to a chance at redemption.
The film is based on the 2014 documentary by Brett and Steve Jamison, and features Michael Fassbender as Thomas Rongen, the coach tasked with turning the team around.
Much of the film was improvised, with entire scenes and subplots created on the fly, a process that Waititi says allowed for a lot of new ideas and flexibility.
The film also highlights the story of Jaiyah Saelua, a fa'afafine player on the team, played by nonbinary actor Kaimana. Saelua made history as the first openly trans and nonbinary athlete to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Despite some criticism over its depiction of transgender characters, the film has been praised for its representation and for shedding light on a culture rarely seen in major Hollywood films.