Remember The Goal

Remember The Goal is a 2016 inspirational sports drama directed by award-winning filmmaker David Schultz, who is well-known for integrating faith into movies in a subtle and relatable way. Alongside the talented cast of Allee Sutton Hethcoat, Quinn Alexis, and Sydney Marks, this dynamic team brings to life a story that takes viewers on a personal journey of persistence, teamwork, and faith.

The film's narrative revolves around the world of five high school girls trying to find their way through teenage struggles while mastering the pressures of competitive cross-country running. Set against the backdrop of a Nashville Christian high school, Remember The Goal introduces us to Allee Sutton Hethcoat's character, Coach Courtney Smith-Donnelly, a former impressive college runner who has come back to her home state to lead the female cross-country team. The young coach's fresh and unusual approach divides opinions, yet it's evident that her primary goal isn't just about winning a state championship; rather, she seeks to mentor the young women into becoming better versions of themselves.

Quinn Alexis, Sydney Marks, and the other girls of the cross-country team each bring distinct talents and personalities to the film. They all have their own challenges and personal battles to navigate not only as adolescent girls but also as budding athletes committed to their sport and their team. The cast's performances draw you into their world, eliciting a sense of empathy for their individual stories as we see them juggle classes, friendships, family, relationships, self-doubt, and their commitment to running.

At its core, the film emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Coach Courtney's methods and teachings go beyond traditional instruction. Instead of concentrating solely on winning, she focuses more on character building, fostering strong communal ties inside the team, and preaching the concept of "The Five & Two". This principle primarily means putting effort into five days of training every week and placing faith into the two days beyond their control, figuratively representing pre-race preparation and the race day itself. This philosophy not only symbolizes the near-literal challenges of sports competition but also how the girls should approach life's unpredictable hurdles.

Remember The Goal also highlights another common theme - sacrifice. The movie deftly shows how the young women make sacrifices, both personal and physical, to be part of a team with a united goal. The arduous routes they run, the friendships they form, the choices they make, and their individual growth evolve from the sacrifices they willingly choose to make for their team and their coach.

What sets Remember The Goal apart is that it doesn't go the usual route of pumping adrenaline alone but delves into a deeper and more profound understanding of the significance of perseverance, strong morals, and inner strength. This is interpreted through engaging conversations, sequences filled with relationship dynamics, and powerful race scenes that underscore the fight within everyone to overcome personal limits. Faith is subtly woven into the fabric of the movie without it dominating the storyline. It serves as an undercurrent throughout the narrative, portraying how belief in oneself, God, the power of a team, and the ability to continue pushing boundaries strengthens us all.

Beautifully shot, with scenes unfolding against the lush landscapes and cityscapes of Tennessee, the film offers a refreshing perspective on sports movies by focusing on cross-country, a less televised and highlighted sport. The cinematography shines in bringing the viewers closer to the girls' running journeys, accompanying them through every determined breath, every bead of sweat, every mile conquered and creating an exhilarating and immersive spectator experience.

Remember The Goal is more than just a film about athletics. It presents the valuable lesson that in sports and life, it's not always about the outcome, but the journey and the character built that count. It innovatively combines coaching strategies, motivational cues, faith, and above all else, the ethos of running, to bring forward a compelling story that's inspirational and transformative despite its apparent simplicity.

Providing healthy doses of motivation and drama, 'Remember The Goal' is an underdog story that embraces faith, perseverance, unity, and the essence of competitive spirit in a unique, profound manner, showcasing a fierce and victorious band of young women in a world of sports.