Inspirational sports stories havelong been a favorite among audiences, fromRudytoMiracle. That hasn’t changed as a new tale of triumph against all odds has soared to the top of Netflix’s charts this week -The Long Game. Among U.S. audiences, theDennis QuaidandJay Hernandez-led feature telling the true story of five Mexican-American caddies who become champions in the face of racism and economic barriers ranks as the platform’s most-watched film right now, beating out some of the streamer’s recently-released originals likeBeverly Hills Cop: Axel FandA Family Affair.
Based onHumberto G. Garcia’s novelMustang Miracle,The Long Gametakes place in Texas in the 1950s as JB Peña (Hernandez) and his wife settle into their new home in the small town of Del Rio. At the heart of the story, though, is the team of young Latino golfers who catch his eye after he’s denied entry to the town’s prestigious country club due to the color of his skin. Outside their work inside the club, theydesign their own makeshift coursein the middle of the desert to learn the game. JB and the boys' world changes forever when he convinces them to start a high school golf team, the San Felipe Mustangs, despite the few resources and even less experience at their disposal. Against all odds, however, the unlikely groupwould go on a legendary run that would culminate in them becoming the 1957 Texas state champions.
Behind the camera for this tale of golf trials and tribulations isJulio Quintana, who previously collaborated with Quaid onhis last uplifting film on Netflix,Blue Miracle. The supporting cast features a bit of crossover there too, with that film’s starsMiguel Angel GarciaandJimmy Gonzalezcarrying over to a talented group also includingCheech Marin,Julian Works, andJaina Lee Ortiz, among others. In addition to directing, Quintana co-wrote the screenplay based on Garcia’s original novel with help fromPaco FariasandJennifer C. Stetson. Quaid also produced withJavier Chapa, Ben Howard, Marla Quintana, andLaura Quaidwhile Hernandez served as an executive producer withPhillip Braun, Christian Sosa, Simon Wise, Colleen Barshop, Vincent Cordero, Sherresee Clarke Soaresof HarbourView Equity Partners, and Mexican boxing championSaul “Canelo” Alvarez.
‘The Long Game’ Was a Festival Favorite Before It Ever Hit Theaters
The Long Gamefirst hit theaters back in April, but critics got their first look at the feature during the2023 SXSW Film Festival, where it would come away with the event’s Narrative Spotlight Audience Award. From that moment, the golf film has earned mostly positive reviews, including an 81% score from critics onRotten Tomatoesand an even higher 97% from audiences. Collider’sTherese Lacsonwas less positive overallin her 5/10 review, though she did have praise for a standout performance from Hernandez. She added, “The Long Gameisn’t awful, it’s perfectly serviceable as a sports flick about an inspiring all-American team, but that’s all that it is: it’s fine. There’s little to write home about, and it feels like a case of unfulfilled potential.”
CatchThe Long Gamenow on Netflix and stay tuned here at Collider for future updates on the most-watched films and series on streaming.
The Long Game
In 1955, five young Mexican-American caddies, out of the love for the game, were determined to learn how to play, so they created their own golf course in the middle of the South Texas desert.
Watch on Netflix
