---
title: "McFarland, USA"
year: 2015
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/mcfarland-usa"
fi1m_id: "mcfarland-usa"
imdb_id: "tt2097298"
tmdb_id: 228203
wikidata_id: "Q16253025"
fi1m_score: 72
critics_score: 64
critics_reviews: 17
published: "2026-09-24T10:17:34.055637+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-24T10:17:40.580006+00:00"
region: "SE"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# McFarland, USA (2015)

Directed by Niki Caro · 2h 08m · Drama, Family

## Identity

McFarland, USA

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/mcfarland-usa
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** mcfarland-usa
- **IMDb ID:** tt2097298
- **TMDB ID:** 228203
- **Wikidata ID:** Q16253025
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2097298/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/228203, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16253025

**Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 64 from 17 reviews

*In a sentence:* Kevin Costner can steady a running team without appearing to raise his own pulse

> Niki Caro gives this familiar running-team drama enough warmth and attention to its community to make it worth the evening. Kevin Costner keeps it grounded, though the storytelling needs a brisker pace.

## Synopsis

Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is an outsider in McFarland’s rural Latino community, where a group of young runners offers him a sporting challenge. He wants to build a team, but understanding the athletes means becoming involved with their families and the life of the town. His wife, Cheryl White (Maria Bello), is part of that adjustment, while Danny Diaz (Ramiro Rodriguez) is among the youngsters whose efforts bring Jim closer to the community. Running gives them a shared purpose, though the coach has his own lessons to learn about the people he hopes to lead.

## Review

*McFarland, USA* is a good-hearted sports drama that makes a familiar story worth following, provided familiar is not a disqualification. Niki Caro gives the rural Latino community more attention than the underdog formula strictly requires, and that attention pays off. The young runners have families and ties to a place; they are not simply waiting for a coach to give them something to do. We recommend it for those people, with some patience required for the storytelling.

Kevin Costner’s Jim White is useful company in a film that could easily become overbearing. Costner keeps his performance restrained, allowing the coach’s increasing involvement with the team to register without insisting that every change of mind deserves a ceremony. There is authority here, but little actorly fuss. That restraint matters when the screenplay by Grant Thompson, Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois reaches for another familiar piece of sporting encouragement.

Caro is better at giving the town a shared life than the screenplay is at distinguishing every athlete. The young cast make their connection to one another convincing, even when an individual runner is not given enough to do. Richard Hoover’s production design helps the community feel inhabited, which makes the coach’s outsider perspective less dominating than it might have been. Still, we would have welcomed more time with the boys on their own terms.

The running itself supplies the strongest reason to care. Adam Arkapaw’s cinematography keeps the athletes clear within a landscape that looks demanding to cross, and Caro gives physical effort its due. We were moved by how hard these young people were working. The strain of covering the ground makes their commitment convincing, without another speech being needed to explain it. These sequences earn the warmth that the film sometimes asks us to accept too readily elsewhere.

The problem is how often that wider community is made to serve Jim’s education. Maria Bello’s Cheryl White has too little room, and the boys sometimes seem less fully considered than the coach’s growing appreciation of them. This is a limitation in a film so plainly interested in families. Caro’s sympathy is persuasive, but sympathy alone cannot give a supporting character the scenes the screenplay has not supplied.

At 128 minutes, it also takes longer than it needs to make fairly straightforward points. David Coulson’s editing is more effective at sustaining the running sequences than at keeping the surrounding drama from feeling protracted. We could have done with less encouragement from Antonio Pinto’s music, too. Neither issue undoes the work of the cast, but a shorter, less emphatic film would have trusted them more.

The underdog sports drama needs to make effort matter, and this one succeeds whenever the runners take over. It is less convincing when it tries to explain a whole community through the experience of one outsider. There is enough here for a family evening, although the leisurely pace may test anyone waiting for the next race. Choose it for the people, and do not expect the plot to keep you guessing.

*Fi1m score 72, published 24 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean positive, with most critics finding warmth and feeling in a familiar inspirational sports story. Praise centres on Kevin Costner’s restrained performance and Niki Caro’s attention to the Mexican-American community, particularly its families, values and relationships. Several critics also single out the young cast and the running sequences, which convey physical effort with clarity. Even favourable reviews tend to acknowledge the predictability; the distinction is whether the characters make it matter less.

Reservations cluster around slow pacing, sentimentality and the emphasis on the white coach’s perspective. Some critics find the community sensitively portrayed; others see condescension in the same approach. There is also disagreement about the runners: The Wrap praises the care given to their stories. The AV Club finds the student athletes thinly developed. The spread runs from warm endorsement to dissatisfaction, though familiar formulas trouble considerably more critics than they put off entirely.

## Straight answers

**Is McFarland, USA worth watching?**

*McFarland, USA* is worth watching for a warm family sports drama, and we score it 72 out of 100. We recommend it for Kevin Costner’s restraint, the young runners’ convincing effort and the attention to their community, though the familiar plot and leisurely pace require some patience across its 128 minutes.

**How long is McFarland, USA, and what is it rated?**

*McFarland, USA* runs 2h 08m. It is a drama and family film.

**Where can I watch McFarland, USA in Sweden?**

*McFarland, USA* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from kr 39.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does McFarland, USA compare to Breaking Away?**

*McFarland, USA* is a warmer-hearted running-team drama than its familiar formula might suggest, but we favour [*Breaking Away*](https://film.one/film/breaking-away) for its humour and fuller attention to individual lives. Both care about families and community; *Breaking Away* gives its young cyclists more room for awkwardness, while *McFarland, USA* too often makes its runners serve the coach’s education.

**What should I watch after McFarland, USA?**

After *McFarland, USA*, try [*Breaking Away*](https://film.one/film/breaking-away) (1979, Fi1m 86): Young cyclists, class friction and family affection, with room for individual awkwardness. Then [*Wadjda*](https://film.one/film/wadjda) (2012, Fi1m 80): A girl’s wish for a bicycle opens onto a closely observed community.

### Reviews we read (17)

- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (75/100, inferred): Turan finds the familiar inspirational sports story more effective than expected. He praises Niki Caro’s empathy for the community and families, which gives the film its emotional core. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-mcfarland-20150220-column.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Stephen Farber (75/100, inferred): Farber finds the familiar sports-movie story engaging and warmly told, despite some syrupy moments and a story that runs long. He especially praises Kevin Costner’s understated performance and the film’s lived-in portrayal of the community. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mcfarland-usa-film-review-770069/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (75/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the film unexpectedly moving and sensitive despite its predictable, sometimes simplistic story. He praises Niki Caro’s warm, thoughtful portrayal of the McFarland community and its characters. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/02/mcfarland-usa-review.html)
- **Empire**, Ian Freer (70/100, inferred): Freer finds the film predictable but warmly engaging. He praises its feel for Latino life, its likable young cast, and Costner’s gravitas. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/mcfarland-review/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but the review itself is inaccessible. The available text does not reveal the critic’s verdict or what they praise or criticize. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/mcfarland-usa/5082644.article)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (C+): Hassenger finds the film respectable but too formulaic and not genuinely inspiring. He praises Niki Caro’s picturesque, lyrical visuals while criticizing the thin development of the student athletes. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/disney-s-mcfarland-usa-is-an-inspirational-sports-movi-1798182802)
- **The Independent**, Geoffrey Macnab (60/100, inferred): The review finds the film rousing and feelgood, but says it risks becoming a glorified fairytale. It praises the story’s underdog appeal while faulting its tendency toward inspirational clichés. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/mcfarland-film-review-kevin-costner-stars-in-a-disneymade-inspirational-yarn-10516136.html)
- **Time Out**, David Ehrlich (3/5): The critic faults the film as another condescendingly inspirational sports movie. It singles out the white protagonist’s lesson about the capabilities of people of other races as part of that formula. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/mcfarland-usa)
- **Slant Magazine**, Chris Cabin (2/4): Cabin finds the film shallow and overly focused on celebrating its white coach rather than exploring the community’s realities. He praises the racing scenes for conveying the athletes’ physical effort and the demanding landscape. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/mcfarland-usa/)
- **The Guardian**, Jordan Hoffman (50/100, inferred): Hoffman finds the film sentimental and formulaic, but says it narrowly avoids condescension and has more going for it than its familiar sports-drama beats. He singles out Kevin Costner’s restrained performance as the film’s strongest element. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/17/mcfarland-usa-review-kevin-costner-mexican-american-cross-country-runners)
- **Variety**, Justin Chang (50/100, inferred): Chang finds the film predictable and uneven, with its outsider perspective making the portrayal of the Latino community feel both compassionate and condescending. He praises Costner’s performance and Caro’s energetic, visually clear handling of the running sequences. [Read](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/film-review-mcfarland-usa-1201423326/)
- **Radio Times**, John Ferguson (2/5): The review views the film as a sympathetic portrayal of a rural community and its unlikely running team. It singles out Kevin Costner as perfectly cast and praises Niki Caro’s understanding of the community’s values. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-7qpt1f/mcfarland-usa/)
- **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B+): The review finds the film heartwarming and unusually culturally specific, with an excellent Kevin Costner performance at its center. It praises Niki Caro’s direction and vivid portrayal of Mexican culture, while criticizing the reduced role of Jim White’s wife. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-disney-sports-movie-mcfarland-usa-starring-kevin-costner-maria-bello-morgan-saylor-20150219/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (75/100, inferred): Hammond recommends the film as an appealing, family-friendly sports story. He praises Kevin Costner’s performance and the true-story premise. [Read](https://deadline.com/2015/02/mcfarland-usa-review-kevin-costner-niki-caro-1201375473/)
- **Paste**, Christian Becker (75/100, inferred): Becker finds the film a sweet, emotionally engaging variation on familiar Disney sports formulas, despite pacing problems and predictable elements. He especially praises director Niki Caro’s handling of the team’s bonds and the young runners’ performances. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/article/mcfarland-usa)
- **The Wrap** (75/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a feel-good sports drama that earns its uplifting payoff. They praise its care in building the runners’ stories and its clear, beautiful cinematography. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/mcfarland-usa-kevin-costner-maria-bello-niki-caro/)
- **Consequence**, Blake Goble (70/100, inferred): Goble finds the film formulaic and slow, but ultimately engaging and heartfelt. He singles out its attention to Mexican-American culture and the coach’s growing emotional investment in the team. [Read](https://consequence.net/2015/02/film-review-mcfarland-usa/)

## Details

- **Director:** Niki Caro
- **Director:** Niki Caro
- **Screenplay:** Grant Thompson, Bettina Gilois, Christopher Cleveland
- **Cinematography:** Adam Arkapaw
- **Editor:** David Coulson
- **Music:** Antonio Pinto
- **Production design:** Richard Hoover
- **Costume design:** Sophie de Rakoff
- **Producer:** Gordon Gray, Mark Ciardi
- **Cast:** Kevin Costner as Jim White; Maria Bello as Cheryl White; Elsie Fisher as Jamie White; Morgan Saylor as Julie White; Martha Higareda as Lupe; Vincent Martella as Brandon; Daniel Moncada as Eddie; Johnny Ortiz as Jose Cardenas
- **Runtime:** 2h 08m
- **First release (the US):** 20 February 2015
- **Genres:** Drama, Family
- **Budget:** $17 million
- **Box office:** $46 million

## Where to watch in Sweden

- Amazon Prime Video: rent kr 39.00, hd
- Apple TV: rent kr 39.00, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy kr 119.00, sd
- Apple TV: buy kr 119.00, sd

*Checked 2026-09-24.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IL, IT, JP, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, SE, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Breaking Away* (1979), Fi1m 86: Young cyclists, class friction and family affection, with room for individual awkwardness. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/breaking-away.md)
- *Wadjda* (2012), Fi1m 80: A girl’s wish for a bicycle opens onto a closely observed community. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wadjda.md)
- *The Fits* (2015): A girl’s place in a dance team becomes something stranger and less reassuring.
- *Bend It Like Beckham* (2002): Family loyalties complicate sporting ambitions, without draining the pleasure from either.
- *The Rocket* (2013): A rural community and an overlooked boy give familiar underdog hopes local detail.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/mcfarland-usa