Documentary
Director: Brantley Palmer
Producer: Brantley Palmer, Sarah Cushing, Stephen Parkhurst, Oriana Schwindt
Cast: Orion Binney, James Tremblay
Sometimes the fight is more important than the win. A constant reminder in this documentary featuring the Fall Mountain Regional High School football team. Exploring both the wins and losses experienced, it mostly shows how passion drives others.
The Fall Mountain Regional High School football team has experienced many ups and downs. This is shown through its history from 1968 to date. Having 6 wins and 3 playoff appearances until 2018 at its core, it shows resilience and the importance of showing up each and every time. Contenders documents the coaches’ experiences trying their best to make the team better. Featuring former students Dan Shaughnessy, Bill Allen, and Jerry Cray, it gives insight into previous issues the team faced, coaching being one of them. However, with Orion Binney and James Tremblay, it was more than coaching; they showed up for the team as encouragers and uplifters.
The director’s vision combined detailed interviews, bringing the subject to life, and archival footage that created a powerful visual experience. The two work together in harmony and balance, complementing the production of Contenders. The opening scene, which frames the football field from a distance, feels symbolic. With fewer wins, their consistency and hard work bring them closer. It captures the audience’s attention right away.
The work’s central argument is that success becomes secondary to the courage of continuing the fight. This is more easily displayed through the interviewees’ performances. All see football as a sport that nurtures discipline, growth, and being a team player; winning becomes secondary. This documentary shows their passion and love for football.
However, Contenders suffers from a predictable underdog arc, which may prevent it from fully escaping genre conventions. This prevents it from having a unique identity, leaving little room for surprises. However, some may argue that their familiarity with Fall Mountain Regional High School is limited; I believe that is one of its strengths, bringing light and focus to a team that has proved itself over and over.
Overall, the director, Brantley Palmer, in this feature, regardless of the low budget used, succeeds in portraying that victory is fleeting and the struggle endures. Words that may apply not only to football but also to our daily lives. Endurance beats success every time.
Watch the full documentary on YouTube:
