The underdog sports drama is a genre where it is very easy to stick to the working formula. You have the underperforming team or player to root for, the stronger opponent who is a bully, an ego conflict between two players, the no-nonsense coach’s climax speech, and then, of course, the tournament finals.
Rez Ballbased on a type of basketball, begins promisingly. We meet not one but two underdogs, Jimmy Holiday (Kauchani Bratt) and Nataanii Jackson (Kusem Goodwind). Fortunately, they are supportive instead of just going at each other, in typical Hollywood fashion. These two have a tender relationship, and through a scene on the basketball court, we understand how they operate in synergy. The game sequences are shot beautifully. We buy the moves and the throws, particularly through camera movements that traverse through almost frozen players. There’s more than enough conflict established to keep us intrigued. Jimmy has issues with his mother (Julia Jones), Nataanii has had a familial tragedy, their coach (Jessica Matten) is going through a breakup, and so on.
Director: Sydney Freeland
Cast: Kauchani Bratt, Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Kusem Goodwind, Zoey Reyes
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