Producer review
Craig finds the film far stronger and more serious than expected.
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:04Read transcript
- The choppy close-ups, gritty color, high-school legacy and parental pressure feel relatable and closer to Moneyball than broad teen melodrama.
- The loss is surprising and welcome; constant eating to maintain playing weight feels accurate, while Carter’s coach is too slapstick.
- The obsessive town and casual sexism fit the setting; the father watching his son’s hookup is considered exceptionally horrifying.
- The choice to depict the losing season is questioned and explained through the book’s original reporting year.
- The first pregame speech’s final instruction gives the reviewer chills.