Back of the Net follows the story of Cory Bailey, a bright American teenager with a knack for science and a love for soccer, brought to life by celebrated actress Sofia Wylie. She sets out on a journey to Sydney, Australia after obtaining an exciting summer opportunity at the prestigious Harold Soccer Academy. However, a comical mix-up at the airport leaves Cory stranded without a place to stay and finds herself at Harold Soccer Academy's primary rival, the all-girls soccer team.
Cory tries to embrace her new predicament and welcomes this setback as an opportunity in disguise. She is not an experienced player, often makes blunders, and turns into the butt of jokes among her teammates. However, with time, she adjusts, learns, and impresses everyone with her relentless spirit. Her passion for science becomes a surprising aid in her soccer training as she utilizes scientific theories and techniques to outsmart her competitors, merging two seemingly opposite worlds.
Sofia Wylie, well-known from her role in "Andi Mack," excellently portrays the vivacious and tenacious Cory, perfectly capturing her struggle, development, and triumph. Supporting her is Christopher Kirby, who plays a mentor-like figure to Cory, and Melissa Bonne, who pays her part to bring a sense of rivalry and tension into the story.
Upon her arrival at the academy, Cory is seen as an outsider and a misfit by her teammates at first. As someone more comfortable behind a stack of books than on the playing field, Cory can't seem to fit in with the academy's competitive atmosphere. Garnishing this underdog journey with much-needed humorous encounters, the movie showcases the sport in a light-hearted, entertaining, yet informative manner.
The real transformation begins when Cory, under the guidance of her coach played by Kirby, starts applying science to her game, demonstrating that passion, knowledge, and innovation can be the game-changer in perfecting her soccer skills. With every leap Cory makes in the field of soccer, the movie beautifully unravels the journey of an underdog who turns her disadvantages into her strengths.
Meanwhile, the interactions and tensions between Cory and her teammates and rivals add depth to the story. Melissa Bonne plays Edie, one of Cory's teammates, whose competitive nature creates a thrilling subplot in the film. Audiences can look forward to humor, friendship, and rivalry mingling into a heartwarming narrative about competition, sport, and the strength of an unwavering spirit.
Back of the Net is a feel-good movie that sends a profound message about never giving up, pushing your boundaries, and thinking outside the box. Unlike other sports films, it also impressively integrates elements of academia, specifically science, adding a unique flavor to the main plot. The narrative offers an enjoyable mix of different genres, from comedy, drama to a splash of science.
Monica Zanetti, who is known for her work on "Ellie and Abbie and Ellie's Dead Aunt," wrote the outstanding screenplay for Back of the Net. Further enhancing the script's brilliance is director Louise Alston, who is skilled in weaving heartwarming and inspiring narratives. With breathtaking shots of the Australian landscape, top-notch production design, and perfectly timed humor, Alston ensures the film is a visual delight.
Woven into the heart of the narrative is the strong message of the importance of believing in oneself, even when the odds seem stacked against you. From strength to resilience, Back of the Net portrays a beautiful and sincere depiction of navigating obstacles and turning them into opportunities. Being a child-friendly movie suitable for all ages, it is not only a fun way to spend time with family but also an inspiring watch for those who love sports or academic enthusiasts or anyone seeking an uplifting story of determination and passion.
In conclusion, Back of the Net is an engaging, comical, and optimistic movie that shows how combining the seemingly eclectic realms of science and sport can yield surprising results. It teaches that the spirit of determination, the courage of innovation, and the power of believing can lead to the most unexpected victories. Whether it is on the soccer field or the path of life, the movie shows that the game is never over till the last whistle.
Back of the Net is a Drama, Kids & Family movie released in 2019. It has a runtime of 86 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.3..
Where can I stream Back of the Net movie online? Back of the Net is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Back of the Net for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.