Wonderkid (2016) User Reviews

Ever wondered what it would be like to feel different?

[jonhholmes · 9/10 · 27 May 2017]

'Who cares?' That's now a fairly typical response when anyone in the public eye comes out as gay, and sport is no different - but there are still very few, men and women, who do come out. In the world of male professional football (soccer), it's really rare - despite the thousands of pro players across the globe. So should all of us, gay or straight, care more? Shouldn't we wonder what it would be like, in the hypermasculine environment of football, to feel different but be afraid or discouraged to show it? The short film WONDERKID aims for that empathy, and achieves it - there's such spirit and passion in the young central character Bradley (Chris Mason) that the viewer is drawn into his headspace and mindset, even though his reactions are often hot-headed or impulsive. The scenarios, setting, relationships (particularly with his agent) and story arc all combine to place Bradley in a believable sporting world that still carries its own taboos and traditions, out of step with much of modern society. The film's powerful message - 'Be Yourself' - will resonate with anyone, particularly those who have ever felt on the fringes of a group or activity. The short feels like the start of something, a call to arms for football and a calling card for a first-time film-maker. You can watch WONDERKID for free on its official website, and there are no geo restrictions - it deserves to be 'the shot heard round the world' for inclusion in soccer.

"Be yourself !"

[Kirpianuscus · 31 May 2019]

A delicate subject. Good manner to explore it. And nice sketches of a young fotballman options about his private life. The film could be a kick to the viewer to accept himself, a sort of manifesto against homophobia, a portrait of the price of succes. And only problem remains the feeling to see only a first part. Sure, noble intentions and good job but something, important, is missing. Something giving to the film a kind of "roots". Sure, a beautiful, touching film. But it deserves be more.

The subject needs better execution

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 26 May 2017]

"Wonderkid" (weak title in my opinion) is a British live action short film from 2016, so still a relatively new movie and it is also the very first effort as writer and director by aspiring filmmaker Rhys Chapman. The subject of this one that runs for slightly over half an hour is homosexuality in professional sports. I am generally really critical when it comes to gay-themed films as they frequently depict a situation of homophobia that is just not accurate with our tolerant society. However, I will give Chapman the benefit of the doubt here as in very masculine sports like football there probably still is some kind of homophobia. But is that really surprising. After all, athletes are under the shower in the same room and they probably don't want to know who is actually attracted in this room by what they are seeing. I can somewhat understand this approach and also as a consequence I do not believe that openly gay football players would really be discriminated against so harshly as this film tries to show us. For example looking at the inclusion of Twitter messages, it is also misleading as the protagonist here would have received probably at least as many encouragements as homophobic messages, probably 5 times the amount or so. So yes, this is a very one-sided movie and I do not think it is realistic or accurate. This is especially a big problem because the subject is really one that is as important as it is delicate and I also believe that films like this one about this subject can really only make an impact for the positive if they are very smart and include a great deal of talent. Otherwise there is even the danger that they actually make things worse. I can only say that while this one is not a failure, it also does not get me curious about future projects by Chapman. Unless he steps up his game, that is. Don't watch.