Wonderkid
Sky Sports (2016)
Queer Themes/Interest, Short, Sports
Not In Collection
#901
7*
Seen It:  Yes
(9/7/2017 wonderkidfilm.com)
IMDB   6.8
32 mins USA / English
VoD 
Chris Mason Wonderkid
Leeshon Alexander Johnny
Troy Glasgow Cumbo
Director
Rhys Chapman


WONDERKID is a film by Rhys Chapman, which tackles one of football's biggest issues - homophobia. Starring Chris Mason and featuring Sky Sports' commentator Martin Tyler, pundit Alan Smith and presenters Geoff Shreeves and Guy Havord, the film depicts the inner turmoil of a gay professional footballer. After earning a dream move to a London Premier League club, 'WONDERKID' should be on top of the world. The reality? He's faced with callous friends, a hostile changing room, vitriol-filled messages on social media and, crucially, WONDERKID's having to deal with himself. The film highlights the key issue - why should his sexuality be an issue? Written by Rhys Chapman
Edition Details
No. of Discs/Tapes 1
References
Streaming, VoD Other - See Links
IMDb Voters <500

Notes
The principal pitch of Wonderkid seems not to be the playing field - the fans (ultras, hooligans, etc.), footballers, owners, media. etc - but the internalized homophobia of the wonderkid himself. Yet, is this premise accurate? Wonderkid loves the game, and sees it as his future· He seems to be accepting of his own sexuality· He also realisically knows that "love of game" is not what drives his future· We have the example of an American football rookie publicly coming-out and going nowhere· On the other hand, we see the examples of gay American college football players coming out with a modicum of acceptance· I see a gay Jackie Robinson and a powerful courageous Branch Rickey on the horizon, which will make this film a historical artifact and a bit silly· But not right now!