Swagger could’ve easily been a generic sports drama about an ambitious prodigy who, against all odds and through sheer determination, makes it to the top. It is that, but it’s also so much more. Swagger offers biting commentary on race and economic realities, as well as heart-warming and relatable stories about family, love, and coming of age. It’s finely acted, with everyone from the kids and their parents to the coaches offering lived-in and realistic performances. The show is most reminiscent of the 2000 film Love & Basketball, which would make sense since the latter is directed by Swagger director Reggie Bythewood’s spouse, Gina Prince-Bythewood. Swagger and Love & Basketball have unique differences, of course, but both deeply understand and powerfully speak to the Black experience.
"Swagger might have one manufactured conflict too many, but when it settles into the stories that come naturally from these kids dealing with an uncertain future, it shines."
— Steve Greene
"Crisp dialogue and winning performances, including by Quvenzhané Wallis... help it maintain interest."
— Daniel D'Addario
A basketball prodigy must navigate a maze of pressure if he's going to overcome the odds against him and learn what it truly means to have swagger.
Loosely based on executive producer and NBA star Kevin Durant’s childhood, Swagger follows basketball prodigy Jase Carson (Isaiah Hill) and his coach Ike Edwards (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) as they navigate youth basketball and all the razor-sharp competition and tricky politics that come with it.
There is so much talent to take in here. All are competent, but first-timers Hill and Solomon Irama, who plays Hill's teammate, stand out for their impressive athleticism and natural charisma.
All I’m saying is there are plenty of mediocre shows Apple TV+ could’ve scrapped instead of the promising, energizing Swagger.
César Awards
1 nomination
