Netflix just added a new sports drama film – and it has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix just released a new sports drama from the Toronto International Film Festival – and it’s one of our top picks for Netflix this week.

“Rez Ball” comes from Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland and is set in the heart of the Navajo Nation reservation in New Mexico. Based on the nonfiction book “Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation” by New York Times journalist Michael Powell, it follows the fictional Chuska Warriors as they try to overcome the loss of their best player while still competing for a championship.

Early reviews for the film have been great, with the film currently sitting at 95% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s what ‘Rez Ball’ is about and why it’s a must-watch on Netflix this weekend. Once you’re done reading, check out our guide to what movies and shows to watch this weekend for more recommendations.

What is ‘Rez Ball’ about?

Rez ball | Official trailer | Netflix YouTube

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As I mentioned, “Rez Ball” is based on a true story, following the Chinle High School basketball team as it plays its season in the cold, dark winters on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona. Basketball, also known as ‘Rez Ball’, is a multi-generational passion for indigenous people, and thousands drive from hours away to watch the games.

“Rez Ball” takes that same story and applies it to the fictional Chuska Warriors in Chuska, New Mexico. The Warriors are a great team, rich in Native American heritage and a state championship contender. But the team suddenly has a major hurdle to overcome when it loses its star player.

The film is directed by Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland, and co-written by Freeland and “Reservation Dogs” director Sterlin Sterlin Harjo. Between them and the ensemble cast of Native actors Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, Kiowa Gordon, Dallas Goldtooth and Cody Lightning, it’s clear the goal is to tell an authentic Native American story.

That said, it’s also an easily relatable story, and fans of sports dramas like “Hoosiers” should have no problem finding something to connect with in “Rez Ball.”

Critics are loving this sports drama: stream ‘Rez Ball’ now on Netflix

(Image credit: Netflix)

Just about everyone who’s seen “Rez Ball” loved it, and I imagine I’ll be no exception now that I finally have the chance to watch it. Between the reviews from TIFF and the reviews now available on Netflix, it has a 95% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and only one negative critical review.

That negative review? Well…I’m not going to get anyone in trouble, but rating the movie as “rotten” because it’s too formulaic seems a bit pretentious to me. Especially when the sports drama formula works so well.

And by all accounts, Freeland nails the formula perfectly in “Rez Ball.” Jason Flatt from But Why Tho? acknowledges that the film is formulaic, but claims that “the setting and cast of characters make it feel completely fresh.”

Nicolas Rapold of The New York Times also agrees that the film still finds success despite not transcending the inspirational sports drama genre. They admit that the film “isn’t so much a slam-dunk nail-biter as it is a matter of self-determination,” but say the cast and New Mexico location still make this sports drama worth watching.

So if you’re looking for a new movie to watch this weekend and enjoy a good sports drama, look no further than ‘Rez Ball’. Watching it will be the easiest victory you’ll have all week.

Current “Rez ball now on Netflix.