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Netflix just released a new sports drama from the Toronto International Film Festival – and it’s one of our top Netflix picks 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, the film follows the fictional Chuska Warriors as they try to cope with the loss of their best player while competing for the championship.

Early reviews for the film have been stellar, 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. After you’re done reading, be sure to check out our guide to the movies and TV shows to watch this weekend for more recommendations.

What is “Rez Ball” about?

As I mentioned, Rez Ball is based on a true story and follows the Chinle High School basketball team as they play their season during the cold, dark winters on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Arizona. Basketball, also known as “Rez Ball,” is a cross-generational passion among local residents, with thousands driving hours 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 to overcome a major hurdle when they lose their star player.

The film was 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 local actors Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder, Kiowa Gordon, Dallas Goldtooth and Cody Lightning, it’s clear that the goal is to tell an authentic Native American story.

However, it’s also an easy-to-follow story, and fans of sports dramas like “Hoosiers” should have no problem finding something to relate to in “Rez Ball.”

Critics love this sports drama – stream Rez Ball on Netflix now

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

This negative review? Well… I’m not going to piss anyone off, but judging the film as “lazy” because it’s too formulaic seems a bit presumptuous to me. Especially when the sports drama formula works so well.

And by all accounts, Freeland has concocted the formula perfectly in “Rez Ball.” But Why?’s Jason Flatt admits that the film is formulaic, but claims that “its setting and cast of characters give it a completely fresh feel.”

Nicolas Rapold of The New York Times also agrees that the film is still successful despite not transcending the inspirational sports drama genre. They admit that the film is “less about a hard-hitting thrill ride and more about empowerment,” but say the ensemble 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 love a good sports drama, look no further than Rez Ball. Watching will be the easiest victory you have all week.

Stream”Rez Ball Now on Netflix.

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