Summary
The Beautiful Game may be a predictable offering of an over-simplified version of reality, but it’s still a worthwhile feel-good drama with a touching story and endearing characters.
For the past two decades, the Homeless World Cup Foundation has been putting together annual football tournaments for teams of unhoused people around the world. Netflix’s The Beautiful Game, written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and directed by Thea Sharrock, tells a fictional story inspired by real-life participants of the unique competition. The movie primarily follows England’s team, managed by Bill Nighy’s Mal, but also touches on the lives of players and managers from other competing countries.
Vinny (Micheal Ward) is a down-on-his-luck but talented football player who’s been living in his car since separating from the mother of his daughter. His favorite pastime is watching football players in the park and sometimes even getting involved in the games, to the parents’ dismay. On one such occasion, team manager Mal approaches Vinny and invites him to play in the World Cup in Rome. However, this isn’t just any tournament but the annual Homeless Football World Cup.
At first, Vinny denies being homeless and refuses to join Mal’s team. He eventually relents and travels to Rome with Mal and the other England players, including recovering heroin addict Nathan (Callum Scott Howells), the analytical Syrian refugee Aldar (Robin Nazari), and single dad Cal (Kit Young).
Upon arrival, Vinny is surprised about how much the event resembles an “actual” football tournament. The event is overseen by Gabriella (Valeria Golino). It features teams of unhoused players from all over the world, including South Africa, managed by Sister Protasia (Susan Wokoma), and Japan, managed by the young and overly competitive Mika (Aoi Okuyama).
Inspired by a real-life initiative that has been running for the past two decades, the movie presents an underdog sports tale where everyone is the underdog. It’s a film about finding hope and becoming a part of something even in the face of adverse life situations. And it succeeds in delivering its message without falling into the trap of being too preachy.
Michael Ward and Bill Nighy in The Beautiful Game | Image via Netflix
While The Beautiful Game has plenty of heartwarming, thought-provoking moments, its approach to one particular subplot could be better. I’m talking about the romance between Shey Coal’s character and the female player from the U.S. team. It would be nice if movies stopped rewarding unwanted (and explicit) sexual comments with the receiver’s attention and eventual romantic interest.
With such a large cast ensemble, we don’t know enough about most of the players, and their backgrounds are briefly touched upon. Screen legend Bill Nighy offers a convincing and often endearing performance as the football manager with a heart of gold. Callum Scott Howells does stand out as the hopelessly optimistic addict struggling with his recovery as does Robin Nazari for his part as a refugee with a brilliant mind who’s trying to rebuild his life in a new country.
As the film’s protagonist, Micheal Ward’s performance is convincing and even poignant, at times. The issue is that Vinny is far too insufferable. He’s deluded, entitled, stubborn, antagonistic, and acts like a villain for the better part of the movie. It’s hard to root for a man who chooses to sleep on a park bench to avoid sharing a room with a recovering addict. While he seems to have learned something by the end, it plays out as far too little too late.
The Beautiful Game brings attention to a wonderful initiative created to help people overcome homelessness and be part of something great. It’s hard to deny the film’s feel-good factor and emotional impact. If you are after a heartwarming sports tale, this movie might just do the trick.
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