Parents' Guide to Rez Ball

This feel-good sports film stars a cast of mostly unknown actors in a heartwarming tale with important social messages. Hollywood is chock-full of remakes and sequels, yet a film like Rez Ball shows the inspiration to be found in real-life stories. That in itself doesn't necessarily make for an entertaining movie, but director and co-scripter Sydney Freeland, who is Navajo herself and originally from Gallup, has put together a skillfully paced film that balances action, drama, and humor. And Director of Photography (DP) Kira Kelly beautifully captures the geographical distinctiveness (and golden light) of the Four Corners region and the infamous Shiprock formation, as well as the fast-paced, on-court action.

Freeland splices in serious issues—unemployment, alcoholism, impoverishment, suicide—as what they are: a part of life on the rez. But there's also more to that life, as this movie tenderly conveys, including community, tradition, a focus on family, intergenerational support, and, yes, basketball. Freeland has spoken publicly about getting backing from Netflix before casting the film, and she struck gold with the lead cast, particularly Bratt as Jimmy, Jones as his mom finding her own strength, and Matten as the coach who is torn between her career ambitions and her ties to the rez. All the elements come together in an entertaining and gratifying film.