Biopics about sports icons often fall into the trap of glorifying a win-at-all-costs mentality, but the ABC's new series about tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley takes a different, deeper approach. And it's a refreshing change!
This three-part series, directed by Wayne Blair, gracefully unfolds the life of Goolagong Cawley, a former world number one tennis player with seven grand slam singles titles to her name. But it's not just another sports story.
The series begins with a contemplative tone, using a unique flashback structure that seamlessly flows between past and present, like streams converging. We meet Evonne (played by Lila McGuire) at Wimbledon, but the narrative quickly transports us to her humble beginnings in the late 1950s. Her family, the only Indigenous family in Barellan, New South Wales, moves into a house with a proper floor for the first time, a poignant moment that sets the stage for her journey.
The dialogue, written by Steven McGregor and Megan Simpson Huberman, strikes a delicate balance. It avoids the typical biopic clichés and bombastic rhetoric, opting for a restrained and dignified tone. Despite this, the series doesn't shy away from showcasing the hard-fought triumphs that define Goolagong Cawley's career.
What makes this series stand out is its focus on Evonne's future as much as her past. This is particularly significant given her non-elite background, a stark contrast to the wealth often associated with tennis. The series uses clever narrative devices, like showing young Evonne hitting an old tennis ball against a brick pillar, to convey her raw talent authentically.
One intriguing scene mirrors a moment from the acclaimed film 'Shine'. Coach Vic Edwards (Marton Csokas) visits Evonne's home, recognizing her raw talent and offering to guide her to greatness. Csokas portrays Edwards with nuance, revealing a complex character that evolves from seemingly benign to toxic. But it's McGuire, a Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman, who captivates as Goolagong Cawley, portraying her as soft-hearted yet tenacious, a combination essential for tennis success.
The series also tackles political themes, notably Goolagong Cawley's decision to play in apartheid South Africa, where she was granted 'honorary white' status. The writers pose thought-provoking questions about her choices without judgment, inviting viewers to consider the ongoing debate about sports and politics.
The tennis scenes are elegantly crafted, with a unique visual style that prioritizes the players' positions over the ball's trajectory. This creative choice shifts the focus to Evonne's psychological state, using tennis as a lens to understand Goolagong Cawley rather than just celebrating her victories.
Goolagong offers a nuanced and captivating portrayal of a sports legend, proving that biopics can transcend the typical sports narrative.
