Anna Daniels
“This Game Takes and Takes”: Stick Explores Redemption and More
Golf broadcasts are often serene yet predictable, showcasing manicured greens and obligatory charm. Enter Stick, Owen Wilson’s latest comedy on Apple TV+, which offers a refreshing twist—it’s less about comedic antics and more about a personal journey filled with existential dilemmas. The recently released trailer may hint at a typical feel-good story, but it reveals a more complex and heartfelt narrative beneath the surface.
Time to dive in.
An Unexpected Comeback
Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, a once-promising golfer who has hit rock bottom, complete with dated frosted tips. He finds himself divorced, unemployed, and grappling with his failures.
Enter Santi (Peter Dager), a 17-year-old golfing prodigy battling his own demons. Their relationship is ambiguous—whether mentorship or a midlife crisis in disguise remains unclear. However, the trailer suggests a connection founded on shared struggles rather than typical heroism.
The humor here is nuanced and intricately layered, resembling Eastbound & Down, but with deeper emotional currents.
Golf as a Means of Healing
A standout feature of the trailer is its artistic depiction of golf. Directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Little Miss Sunshine) infuse it with unexpected flair. The visuals capture the essence of the game as more than just a sport; it’s a canvas for exploring deeper scars.
This perspective aligns with insights from psychologist Dr. Michelle Blakely, who shared in a 2020 NY Times article:
“Athletes-turned-mentors often struggle with projecting their unresolved failures onto protégés. It’s redemption by proxy—and it rarely ends clean.”
This revelation fuels the narrative of Stick, focusing not on triumphs but on the haunting moments of failure that linger.
A Unique Take on the Ted Lasso Formula
Apple clearly aims for another Ted Lasso success. That intention is felt in the cheerful music and uplifting moments. However, Stick takes a different route.
While Lasso exudes optimism, Stick embraces weariness. Pryce is not a beacon of hope; he’s grappling with despair. The idea of chosen family here revolves around two fractured souls rather than a traditional sports team.
The cast adds an electrifying dynamic, featuring Judy Greer’s sharp humor and Timothy Olyphant’s alluring ambiguity. Real-life golfers like Collin Morikawa and Max Homa make appearances, grounding the story in a relatable reality.
The Relevance of Stick in Today’s Landscape
Golf comedies have come and gone, often leaning towards cliched narratives. However, Stick strikes a different chord, aiming to critique the toxic pressures tied to the sport rather than glorifying it.
This is particularly resonant in 2025, a time when viewers desire authenticity over sentimentality.
Some call it the post-Ted Lasso shift.
As critic Soraya Roberts observed in Slate, “We’ve OD’d on feel-good. Now we want feel-real.”
So, can we declare Stick a success? It’s a bit too premature. However, it presents a striking deviation from the norm. With Wilson departing from his usual persona and a storyline steeped in failure and personal growth, this could be the most emotionally intense sports comedy since King Richard blended with the essence of BoJack Horseman.
Will Pryce bet his future on a young talent’s swing? He just might, revealing the most authentic version of himself yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72oB_zVF_6o[/embed>
