Ever since making his feature directorial debut Eagle vs Shark in 2007, filmmaker Taika Waititi has been telling wonderful stories about outsiders, whether that be a group of misfit vampire housemates (What We Do In The Shadows) or a lost god desperately trying to find his way (Thor: Ragnarok).
His latest film Next Goal Wins is no different, bringing the real life tale of coach Thomas Rongen's (Michael Fassbender) efforts to lead the American Samoa national football team to qualification in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Widely regarded at the time as one of the worst squads in history, the side were still haunted by their 31-0 loss against Australia in 2001 – an astonishing defeat which set a new world record. Rongen was therefore set with a singular goal – American Samoa had to score one, just one, goal.
