Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots
Jul 17, 2024
8/10
Director Sarah Dowland’s documentary “Sue Bird: In the Clutch” plays like a career highlight reel of its subject, one of the true GOATs of women’s professional basketball. The film delves into Bird’s life history features candid interviews with her family, friends, former coaches, colleagues, peers, and teammates, which makes it tons of fun for WNBA fans. Even better, the documentary gives a thorough overview to those unfamiliar with the subject or the sport.
Bird, a point guard who became a Seattle Storm franchise player and legend, played professional basketball for over two decades. The film spans her incredible 21 year career, from her origins as a baller in high school up to her winning five Olympic gold medals. Now that she’s reaching retirement, Bird and her fiancée, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, are learning to navigate a new life ahead.
As with most biopic documentaries, the film is a positive-leaning celebration of its subject’s storied career. What makes this one different is that Dowland asks the questions you really want to hear, and Bird answers them with honesty.
The insider stories are so interesting, including perspectives from her best friend (and equally impressive WNBA legend) Diana Taurasi, including how difficult it is to overcome racism and sexism in the male-dominated sports world, what it’s like to represent your country on the world stage, and the dangers playing overseas in the off-season. I felt like I learned so much about Bird, and I’ve grown to respect her achievements even more after watching this documentary.
“Sue Bird: In the Clutch” celebrates the trailblazer who has and will continue to inspire so many young girls to take up the sport of basketball. It’s a great documentary that will delight WNBA fans and also introduce so many to one of the greatest players to ever embrace the game.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS