As ridiculous a sport racewalking may seem – Aussies are sure to have images of Jane Turner and Glenn Robbins powerwalking with all their might come to mind – writing/directing duo Phil Moniz and Kevin Claydon lace such with a tenderness and respect that allows audiences to laugh with the sport’s quirk rather than at it in Racewalkers, an underdog sports comedy that offers heart and humour in equal measure.
Moniz and Claydon are aware of how comical the sport looks, but they also take their subject on with sincerity, which is why their wonderfully sweet film succeeds as much as it does. Claydon also leads the charge as Matt, a former baseball pitcher, who unknowingly has the right hip swivel and sturdy gate needed to excel in the sport – something uncovered by Will (Moniz), who has a family history within the sport and is eager to prove his own worth from under the thumb of his volatile uncle, Kurt (Greg Bryk), who coaches Will’s competitive himbo cousin, Ched (Robbie Amell, having an absolute ball of a time).
Whilst the narrative at hand doesn’t exactly break a lot of rules within its genre, Racewalkers – playing by the tested rule that if something isn’t broken, why fix it? – proves as winning as it is because it adheres to such a classic structure. It reminds us of a simpler time of filmmaking and releases. It’s a beautiful example of the simplicity of how movies can make people happy, and in such a time when negativity rules strong, Racewalkers is a welcome reminder of escape.
As it weaves in its share of familial drama and a welcome love story, Racewalkers strongest emotional asset (next to spotlighting the sport of racewalking) is how it celebrates male friendship. Without a hint of toxicity and not having to result to gay panic-type humour, Matt and Will’s blossoming friendship speaks to a confidence within themselves and each other, both on screen as characters and off, with the years-long collaborative union between Moniz and Claydon organically shining through.
Of course, most importantly, Racewalkers is very, very funny. The ensemble all playing their characters as straight as possible only adds to the comedic mentality, with their being a fine balance in amplifying some of the sport’s theatrical flair – Matt’s hip swivel is described as looking like a “coked out salsa dancer” – with a genuine respect as to how physically demanding it is. Moniz and Claydon have a wonderfully subtle approach to delivering their comedy, whilst Amell is able to lean into Ched’s competitive nature with a more exaggerated approach, but in doing so he underplays the character’s awareness, which only makes him all the funnier.
Moniz, Claydon and Amell prove an absolutely winning trio, and any other niche sport they want to tackle together, we welcome the filmic adaptation of such if Racewalkers‘ quality is anything to go by.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Racewalkers is screening as part of this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, running between February 20th and 26th, 2025. For more information on the festival and screening times, head to the official website.
