10 Most Surprising Moments In Netflix’s Sunderland ‘Til I Die Documentary
6. Starting In A Church
Right from the start, Sunderland ‘Til I Die sets its stall out as something different. While the Manchester City documentary All Or Nothing was an examination of the club, the superstars, and the Pep Guardiloa effect, this is about a community. Again, Sunderland aren’t Barcelona, but they’re definitely Mes Que Un Club.
Starting off in a church (then returning there later in the season) may not be the tone you’d associate with a football show, but it fits the narrative perfectly. And not just because of all the desperate prayers Sunderland fans must have been muttering last season.
Hearing the priest weave prayers for the players, manager and results into his sermon is one thing, but he goes beyond that. Just like all the taxi drivers, chefs, and season ticket holders the crew talk to, the priest has the same message. When Sunderland win, the city is happy.
There’s something even deeper though, something the documentary only scratches the surface of. With the shipping industry and the mines part of a bygone era, Sunderland is a forgotten city. Unemployment is higher than most of the country. If this city relies on football for happiness, two relegations in two seasons are near fatal blows.