Taika Waititi’s latest film, ‘Next Goal Wins,’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is generating attention for all the wrong reasons. Based on the acclaimed documentary of the same name, the film chronicles the journey of the American Samoa national football team as they strive to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Anticipation initially swelled among audiences when it was revealed that nonbinary actor Kaimana would portray a fictionalized version of Jaiyah Saelua, a fa’afafine (third gender) soccer player. Saelua had made history as the first nonbinary and trans woman to participate in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
However, early reviews have raised concerns about the film’s treatment of its trans character. According to Charles Bramesco at The Playlist, while Kaimana delivers a standout performance, the movie falters in its portrayal of her and her gender identity.
Bramesco writes, “Secret weapon Jaiyah (the mononymous, nonbinary, altogether transfixing Kaimana) initially baffles Thomas (Michael Fassbender as the white American coach sent to lead the team) with her gender identity of fa’afafine, taken for granted in the Pacific as an important piece of the local cultural heritage.”
He goes on to describe instances where the character is deadnamed and subjected to invasive inquiries about her genitals. The film’s emotional climax is criticized for using her transition in a heavy-handed manner to resolve her dysphoria.
Unverified reports also suggest that the TIFF version of the film is an edited version, with the original allegedly featuring a more problematic subplot between Coach Thomas and Jaiyah, involving berating and deadnaming due to an implied attraction.
While these accounts are based on a single review and unverified rumors, they raise valid concerns about the film’s treatment of trans representation. Taika Waititi, known for introducing memorable queer characters in previous works, appears to be facing criticism for his handling of this particular aspect in ‘Next Goal Wins.’
This controversy underscores the ongoing need for responsible and authentic LGBTQ representation in media, prompting important conversations within the film industry and beyond. As the film continues to screen and receive feedback, the debate over its portrayal of trans characters and their narratives is likely to intensify.