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Rez Ball is the latest sports drama streaming on Netflix. Released on September 27, 2024, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024.
Rez Ball, directed by Sydney Freeland and co-written with Sterlin Harjo, follows the Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team fighting for the state championship. Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, and Amber Midthunder are the stars of the film.
But is Rez Ball based on a true story? The short answer is that the events in the movie are partially true. The plot is fictional, but the film is inspired by Native American high school basketball culture and Michael Powell's Canyon Dreams. Freeland and Harjo wrote a story that feels real but is not a retelling.
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The official synopsis of this movie states,
"After losing their star player, a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture must unite to keep their state championship dreams alive."
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Rez Ball. Reader discretion is advised.
The story of Rez Ball
Rez Ball centers around the fictional Chuska Warriors, a basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico. Due to tragic circumstances, the team loses its star player, Nataanii Jackson, played by Kusem Goodwind.
The emotional impact of this loss affects the entire team, especially Nataanii’s best friend, Jimmy Holiday, who is suddenly pushed into the spotlight. The film highlights the team's struggle to overcome grief and perform for their community in the state championship.
The team honors its Native American roots throughout the movie, including using the Navajo language in their plays, highlighting the close relationship between basketball and Native culture.
Rez Ball is a moving representation of resilience and cultural pride since this reflects the real-life commitment and passion Native American communities have for high school basketball.
However, the events in the film are fictional. Freeland and Harjo created the characters and plotlines, including Nataanii’s tragic death and the team’s journey to recovery. They wanted to craft a story that was true to their experiences and the broader Native American community. So, while Rez Ball is steeped in reality, the specific narrative is fictional.
Plot in detail
The film follows Jimmy Holiday as he leads the Chuska Warriors to victory after the loss of his best friend. With the team shaken by grief, they must find a way to overcome their struggles, both on and off the court.
The journey is not just about basketball; it’s about healing, community, and embracing their identity. The players grow not just as athletes but as young individuals, and they learn to support each other while celebrating their Navajo heritage.
As they progress in the tournament, the team starts calling plays in Navajo, a distinctive ability that enhances their ties to their heritage and unity as a club. The narrative is both touching and dramatic, taking the viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.
Read more: Rez Ball (2024): Full list of cast in the movie
Production and directors
Rez Ball is directed and co-written by Navajo Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo. Harjo, the co-creator of Reservation Dogs, brought his knowledge of Indigenous culture to the project. Freeland and Harjo used Canyon Dreams as a loose inspiration to create a fictional world that reflected Native American high school basketball players' struggles and triumphs.
For The SpringHill Company, LeBron James and Maverick Carter produced and promoted the film. With the support of local tribal nations, the film was shot in the Navajo Nation in New Mexico to accurately portray Native American culture and settings.
Inspiration from real-life basketball culture
Rez Ball takes inspiration from the widespread passion for basketball in Native American communities. High school basketball is among the most popular sports on reservations, much like football, which is revered in Texas.
Freeland and Harjo wanted to capture this unique aspect of Native life, where basketball isn't just a sport but a source of pride, identity, and connection for many.
The film also explores the rivalries between different tribal schools and the intense competitions that often come with them. Freeland herself played basketball on a Navajo reservation, lending further authenticity to the film's portrayal of this world.
Read more: Rez Ball ending explained
The emotional journey of the Chuska Warriors
The Chuska Warriors have to learn to deal with their loss even as they battle to win the state championship. Since Jimmy Holiday is stepping up to run the team following Nataanii's death, his character development takes center stage. The movie explores loss, resilience, and the value of community by showing how the team supports one another during trying circumstances.
Including the Navajo language in the team's performances is a potent emblem of the Warriors' will to respect their background while pursuing excellence on the court. These cultural components help Rez Ball to be a very personal and poignant narrative.
Rez Ball, based on Native American basketball passion, is not directly based on a true story. Canyon Dreams and Native American high school basketball players inspired the fictional film. Due to its authentic Native American portrayal and high emotional stakes, Rez Ball is a must-watch for sports drama fans.
