Empowering Stories on and off the Field: A Discussion with Actress Cristina Rodlo on ‘The Beautiful Game’

The Beautiful Game, the latest title available for streaming on NETFLIX, presents a heartening portrayal of the rehabilitative potential inherent in team sports. It offers a nuanced exploration of individuals marginalized by circumstance or choice. Filmed in Italy, the movie, penned by esteemed British screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce and helmed by director Thea Sharrock, delicately weaves together the stories of several unhoused men as they vie for victory representing their own countries in the Homeless World Cup. This narrative is meticulously crafted and emotionally resonant.

The Homeless World Cup is an event founded on principles of participation and engagement, which are of utmost importance for those experiencing homelessness, seeking asylum, or undergoing rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction. While soccer cannot single-handedly solve these issues, it can certainly contribute to overcoming them. It provides enjoyment and inclusion, promotes physical activity and thus, health, and serves as a space where relationships are forged, fostering a sense of belonging.

In The Beautiful Game, alongside the award-winning British actor Bill Nighy (Living), the Jamaican performer Michael Ward (empire of Light), and the Italian artist Valeria Golino
(Rain Man), Mexican actress Cristina Rodlo finds herself returning to her fervent passion for soccer. Hailing from Torreón, Coahuila, where her athletic prowess earned her a
scholarship, Cristina now embodies the character of Rosita in this cinematic exploration of a league composed of individuals experiencing homelessness, united in competitive spirit
against teams from all over the world. Amidst her accomplished career spanning film and television, including notable roles in productions such as Halo (2024), Miss Bala (2019), The
Terror (2019), Too Old to Die Young (2019), and No One Gets Out Alive (2021), Cristina continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances, illustrating her versatility as a talent in the industry. We had the pleasure of speaking with her just before the movie’s release.

Hi Cristina, they say this is a movie about second chances, do you agree?
“Yes, this is a movie that I loved working on. It’s a story based on a real tournament dedicated to people without homes and organized by an association with the intention to help those in need. The goal is to assist them in reclaiming their lives through their passion for soccer and sport. The movie explores the importance of having someone who believes in us and can provide that extra push forward. Once you start on your journey again, the universe begins to align, and things start happening around you once more. This movie is all about second chances, illustrating how the support of others can reignite hope and demonstrate that it’s never too late to turn your life around. In addition to that, we spent two months filming in Rome, so for me, it has been a great experience overall”.

How was it shooting in Italy?
“It was magical, working in Rome and having the opportunity to stroll through the city at night has been a dream come true. Additionally, working with Valeria Golino has been amazing; she is an icon in Italy, yet she is also a very kind and welcoming person. Moreover, she is, of course, a great actress. I can only speak highly of her and the Italian crew I have been working with; there is a connection between Mexicans and Italians, as we understand each other. Also, we could eat pasta every day, and surprisingly, I didn’t gain any weight because the quality of the ingredients is much better compared to the USA. You can truly enjoy pasta every day without worrying about gaining weight. I also loved ossobuco, it’s probably my favorite Italian dish”.

What’s your relationship with soccer?
“I have loved soccer since I was a kid. Growing up with my two brothers and a soccer ball, it became a huge part of my life. In fact, I was quite skilled at it; at the age of 15, I was offered
a spot on the Mexican national team. However, I turned down the offer because I had already set my sights on becoming an actress. Nonetheless, I excelled as a goal scorer in my team. Interestingly, my soccer skills also played a role in securing the acting role. The casting directors were impressed with my audition, and when I shared a video of myself playing soccer, they were convinced that I was the perfect fit.

And the passion for soccer in Mexico is similar to the one we have in Italy?
“Yes, in Mexico, we share the same great love for soccer that you guys have in Italy. When I was growing up, it wasn’t very common to see a girl playing soccer. However, when I was in elementary school, my friend and I created the first female soccer team, and since then a lot more people have started following women’s soccer in my country. In general, Mexicans are this sport”.

What can you tell us about your character?
“She was born in Mexico and entered the USA when she was a child, with her parents. She currently resides in the US but lacks the necessary documents for travel. She is a highly skilled soccer player, and when she is offered a spot on a female team representing the United States in a tournament in Italy, her life takes a positive turn. They send her to Rome, and since then, good things start happening to her. That’s something I share with her—the American dream. The idea that it doesn’t matter where you come from; with hard work and belief in yourself, you can achieve it”.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
“I would love to make a movie with Paolo Sorrentino or Luca Guadagnino, I think they are two great directors”.