The Homeless World Cup is a real thing, a global soccer tournament featuring homeless players, which advocates for the end of homelessness through sport. While The Beautiful Game often feels much like a commercial for the event, it also manages to be a very entertaining and engaging film. Yes it employs the trappings of an inspirational dramedy, it does so very effectively, making watching The Beautiful Game lovely.
Much of what makes it work is owed to its stars Nighy and Ward. Nighy's screen presence is always off the charts and he brings that to this film in one of his more understated parts. Ward, who I first saw opposite Olivia Colman in Empire of Light, shines bright here too by bringing much to his leading role.
Sharrock films her movie beautifully, especially when they get to Rome and she takes full advantage of the scenery. The Beautiful Game is a beautifully shot film which may not always delve deeply into some of the more complex issues of the unhoused, but always, 100% of the time, focus on its characters as human beings.
And maybe the Homeless World Cup deserves such an entertaining commercial.
The Beautiful Game
Starring: Bill Nighy, Michael Ward
Director: Thea Sharrock
Writer: Frank Cottrell-Boyce
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