High Flying Bird review: Netflix’s NBA drama is a slam dunk

Steven Soderbergh and Tarell Alvin McCraney’s sharp and crafty iPhone-shot film, High Flying Bird, is sure to have everyone talking about what goes on outside the basketball court.

Though promoted as a film focusing on the NBA and the game, Netflix’s High Flying Bird isn’t truly only about basketball. The witty plays and slam dunks featured all happen outside the court. Instead, it’s like witnessing a heist come together, and you’re not sure the escape plan is fail-safe.

High Flying Bird follows sports agent Ray Burke (Andrew Holland) in an ongoing NBA lockout. It has been dragging on for half a year and heavily beginning to impact both parties – the players and those behind-the-scenes at the NBA. While the big stars are doing just fine, rookie players feel unappreciated and demand to have a bigger say in the company. The big bosses, however, are fine with how things are (of course they are).

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As the lockout continues, more pressure is put on everyone’s shoulders as there are many relying on their salaries. As a sports agent, Burke feels caught in-between. He wants to support his clients, but also needs access to his salary, especially after his pay and credit cards are frozen.

Deciding not to stand idly by and with only 72 hours left, Ray decides to play for higher stakes. Ray puts his career on the line to outmaneuver all the power-players as he uncovers a loophole that could forever change the system.

Patience is required from audiences as High Flying Bird takes its time lifting off the ground. Not that the journey there isn’t exciting, but it may be easier for those familiar with the sport and the most recent NBA lockout (in November, 2011). The movie keeps all viewers in mind, though, and takes its time explaining and portraying the stress both parties are dealing with.

High Flying Bird also gives viewers a look back at the long history of issues behind the NBA. More specifically, its treatment towards black athletes. This is mostly presented by Spencer, portrayed by Bill Duke, who has experienced the system firsthand.

Without giving away any spoilers or details, Holland’s brilliant performance as Burke carries most of the film. As you watch him manipulate those around him and constructing all the pieces to his plan together, he even has the viewer fooled. As the movie nears the ending, you’re at the edge of your seat wondering how everything will tie in together with such little time before the buzzer goes off.

High Flying Bird streams on Netflix Friday, February 8.

The movie also stars Melvin Gregg, Zazie Beetz, and Sonja Sohn.