#NativeNerd review: Netflix’s sports drama REZBALL is a game-winning three-pointer

Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo’s REZBALL will become a classic with staying power that will last for generations to come

So here is my review for REZ BALL, a beautiful film directed by Sydney Freeland and written by Freeland and Sterlin Harjo. The film was inspired by the book Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation and the New York Times article by Michael Powell.

Synopsis: 

In the heart of Chuska, New Mexico, the Chuska Warriors, a high school basketball team rich in Native American heritage, face their greatest challenge. After the loss of their star player, the team must unite like never before to keep their dreams of a state championship alive. This is more than just a game; it’s a journey of resilience and unity, a true underdog story deeply rooted in Native American culture.

Trailer:

My SNEWP-method score 9.2/10 

For further reading on my scoring system, I call it ‘The SNEWP Method.’ My Rotten Tomatoes film critic scoring technique

My initial inquiry about watching REZ BALL was from Netflix, who asked if I wanted to see it in a movie theater near me. They rented a theater for me, and after settling into a dark theater by myself, I entered the movie world of REZ BALL.

Not knowing what to expect but certainly excited, I began to watch. I was immediately blown away by the gorgeous cinematography surrounding the Navajo Nation. I watched as Kauchani Bratt and his family came onto the screen. I enjoyed hearing laughter and smack-talking, all surrounded by words in the Navajo language.

I watched Indigenous basketball players use the Navajo language to call plays. I watched with a smile on my face as beautifully designed uniforms and graphics blazed across the screen. I cheered at the great shots, booed at the unfair fouls and laughed at all of the inside jokes that didn’t have to be hidden anymore.

I loved this movie. I loved the interactions between players on the court, the family interactions throughout the film, the comedic moments, and the heartfelt moments. 

My world I so often see as a Native journalist, author, critic and Native Guy on YouTube was being represented, and I stress accurately represented—in front of me, on the big screen.

A little brown kid who grew up on Compton Blvd in California was invited to a theatre just for him to watch his culture accurately represented on screen. 

I was overwhelmed. This, I thought, was a really big deal.

Why was this a big deal?

Here I was, a Native American critic, watching in the dark, tears running down my face, as young Native actors portrayed thoughtful, meaningful and non-stereotypical characters on screen. A Native American director who hails from the Navajo Nation? It was mind-blowing and incredible that Freeland could work on a Netflix film in the same places she experienced as a child.

One beautiful fact in the Netflix press notes? ‘Rez Ball was shot with the full support, approval, and presence of the Navajo Nation Government.’ In a society where our Native American dances and celebrations were once outlawed, a Native American director (Sydney Freeland) and Native writers (Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo) have worked to create a film celebrated by the people it represents. Historically, this does not happen often.

Add to the mix the Native designers, a Native casting director, rez cars, and a coach who sages and gives advice during practice? I could hardly believe what I was experiencing. Yet, here I was.  

REZ BALL is a sports film about basketball. The story is about Navajo players who want to play hard and be champions to honor Nataanii Jackson, a player who is no longer among them. 

I have to give sincere shouts to all of the Native actors in this film, who did superior jobs. I want to provide a Native lip point to Kauchani Bratt, the film’s breakout star, who did a beautiful job.

I also want to express my appreciation for the incredible talents of REZ BALL. 

The film features an impressive range of Native American and First Nations talent, including the following actors: Jessica Matten (Heather Hobbs), Kauchani Bratt (Jimmy Holiday), Amber Midthunder (Dezbah Weaver), Julia Jones (Gloria Holiday), Cody Lightning (Micah Tso), Dallas Goldtooth (Henry Tso), Ernest David Tsosie (Benny Begay), Kusem Goodwind (NataaniiJackson), Zoey Reyes (Krista) and Devin Sampson Craig as Bryson Badonie.

According to Netflix, ‘Out of 63 roles in the film, 56 were played by Indigenous actors.’ That is something I never thought I would see.

Within this story … is the intrinsic beauty of Native culture

REZ BALL, with all of its real reach for the stars, also accurately portrays Rez life. On the Rez are real issues such as poverty, familial struggles, and increased rates of teen suicide in contrast to the rest of the United States.

But amid tragedy, there is also the uplifting side of growth and second chances. 

REZ BALL is a wonderful film. Due to its embrace of Native culture, which is so fabulously entwined with the excitement, emotion, and adrenaline of sports victory, I highly recommend this film and give it the #NativeNerd seal of approval.

I know you will continue to see these actors in the films to come in the future.

What a wonderful thing to proclaim.

Stay tuned for an interview with Kauchani Bratt, Jessica Matten and Devon Sampson Craig.

REZ BALL hits Netflix on September 27th after premiering at TIFF.

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