Slamdance Film Festival 2025: RACEWALKERS
At first glance, Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz‘s Racewalkers looks like it caters more to the silly than the heartfelt. But, this manages to incorporate both successfully.
It is a charming and refreshingly original sports comedy that elevates the overlooked world of racewalking (didn’t know about it myself) to something both absurd and sweet. Co-directors and stars Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz possess impeccable chemistry, with their sharp banter and genuine sincerity grounding the film’s humor in warmth rather than just hilarity.
Robbie Amell, as the lovable, clueless jock Ched, steals the show with a performance that blends charm with unexpected depth. The film is very successful at combining the classic beats of the sports genre (training montages, setbacks, and triumphant moments) with an emotional honesty that adds layers to its characters. These are people we want to know more about and most importantly: root for.
A Feel Good Sports Jaunt
Claydon’s Matt, a former baseball pitcher trying to find his footing, and Moniz’s Will, an eccentric coach trying to prove himself, have a complicated dynamic that keeps the film centered. The rivalries, particularly with Ched and his overbearing father Kurt (Greg Bryk), add plenty of humor, but it’s the film’s sincere exploration of personal growth and friendship that makes it truly special.
With a nostalgic soundtrack that complements its uplifting tone, Racewalkers feels like a love letter to the kinds of movies that remind us why we watch film in the first place. It isn’t asking much of you as a viewer except to watch and enjoy.
The balance of smart writing, strong performances, and well-timed humor makes this not just a sports film, but a feel-good escape, full of laughs and emotional payoff. This is an indie absolutely worth discovering and shows us a dynamic duo in its creators and stars: they are artists to watch.
Conclusion:
In a time when the world feels heavy, Racewalkers reminds us of the beauty in embracing the quirky, the unconventional, and the unexpected. It’s a must-watch for anyone in need of a laugh and a little heart.
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