This article contains references to suicide.

Rez Ball is a moving sports drama based on true events that rocked a small community following a suicide. The film approaches challenging topics, while also focusing on the hope and unity the Native American community experiences despite tragic events. While a high school basketball team may be a fairly small part of daily life for most, it becomes the vehicle for healing, growing, and thriving, especially for the new team captain, Jimmy Holiday.

The latest Netflix sports drama spotlights the high school basketball team, the Chuska Warriors, who have high hopes for the upcoming District Championships. However, when star player Nataanii dies by suicide after losing his mother and sister, the community is shaken. While this could’ve been a moment when the team fell into despair, they instead found a way to rally together, celebrate their fallen brother, and put their all into the tournament. This hope rubs off on the community, and in their darkest moment, the team shines brighter than ever before.

While Rez Ball could have taken the story in several directions — by emphasizing the community’s loss, ignoring trauma to focus on sports, or focusing on the coming-of-age element — director Sydney Freeland, who also worked on shows like Echo and Reservation Dogs, beautifully weaves all these story elements together so they’re in perfect harmony. It’s no surprise Freeland has such an impressive talent for storytelling, especially when it comes to highlighting the lived experiences of Native Americans. The sports focus is new, however, and Freeland does a great job of using the game as a vehicle for the story.

Sydney Freeland beautifully weaves story elements together so they’re in perfect harmony.

The film manages to highlight the characters’ struggles while simultaneously revealing their resilience and strength. Despite the basic premise, Rez Ball becomes a distinctly Native American tale — from the ups and downs of the community to their ability to lean on each other in times of need, and to their ability to innovate and play basketball in a distinctive style.

In addition to the narrative, Rez Ball is also beautifully shot, highlighting natural wonders and gorgeous views that go underappreciated. All of these elements combine to create something that feels larger and more important than the sum of its parts. Paired with intricately interwoven themes, the film becomes an elevated viewing experience.

Rez Ball Is Distinctly Independent In Feel

While Rez Ball has major backing — from LeBron James, who serves as producer, and Netflix — it still retains an indie film feel. While the acting isn’t always spectacular, it doesn’t alter the flow of the story. The cast does a great job creating an emotional story, with the lead, Kauchani Bratt, being a particular standout.

Rez Ball
is a wonderful sports drama with a story that is equal parts insightful and inspiring.

However, the nearly two-hour runtime feels bloated and unnecessary. There are several scenes where things are stagnant for just a few seconds too long and there are other moments that could have been cut altogether. This does unfortunately affect the pacing. All things considered, though, Rez Ball is a wonderful sports drama with a story that is equal parts insightful and inspiring.

Rez Ball is now streaming on Netflix.