As an esports journalist, I’ve spent countless hours dissecting the careers of players and streamers, but today, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to review something a little different – Soloz: Game of Life.

Now, do not be fooled; this isn’t a biopic of Faris “Soloz” Zakaria, Malaysia’s top streaming sensation. It is a fictionalised version of his rise to fame, and when I say fictionalised, I mean Hollywood-level dramatics with just a pinch of truth for flavour.

This is my first attempt at reviewing a film, but since it’s tied to esports—a world I practically live in—and revolves around a figure I’ve followed closely, it feels like the perfect way to dip my toes into the cinematic pool. So, does Soloz: Game of Life hit the mark as a compelling story or is it just another over-glossed highlight reel?

Let’s dive in.

From Cyber Café to Centre Stage

Directed by Syafiq Yusof, as the title suggests, Soloz: Game of Life charts the journey of Faris “Soloz” Zakaria (played by Hun Haqeem) from a small-town teenager glued to his screen to a national esports icon. It’s a familiar tale of passion, grit, and sacrifice—but dialled up to soap opera levels of drama for cinematic flair.

The story kicks off with Soloz recounting his rise during a livestream, taking us back to his modest beginnings in a sleepy village. A headstrong gamer with a knack for competition, he struggles against his strict mother, Lailatul (played by Lisdawati), who dismisses gaming as a waste of time. Thankfully, his ever-supportive father (Fauzi Nawawi) and a fateful introduction to Mobile Legends reignite his competitive fire.

From dominating cyber café tournaments to enduring a turbulent stint with “Team Saurian” before finding his place in “Team The Boss,” Soloz’s journey is a whirlwind of victories, setbacks, and familial tension. Along the way, he meets Maryam, his future wife and grounding force, and locks horns with Irfan, a.k.a. Mr X (Ikmal Amry), his cocky Singaporean rival. Their escalating rivalry peaks at an international tournament, where Soloz not only battles Irfan but also wrestles with self-doubt and the sacrifices he’s made for his dream.

The film weaves in themes of friendship, family struggles, and the grind of esports, layering them with melodramatic twists like betrayal, heated face-offs, and a subplot about Irfan’s strained relationship with his father. While the story clearly leans into over-the-top theatrics, Soloz’s unwavering passion and resilience remain the emotional core, reminding us why he’s a hero both on-screen and off.

Gripes & Games

With so few films tackling esports as a central narrative, my immediate point of comparison is Gran Turismo, which follows Jann Mardenborough’s meteoric rise from sim racer to real-world racecar driver. But let’s face it: Gran Turismo had two big advantages. First, it was backed by Sony Pictures with a significantly larger budget. Second, it revolved around racecars—a universally recognisable sport, whether you’re a fan of Formula 1 or a casual gamer dabbling in Gran Turismo 7. Sadly, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) doesn’t quite enjoy that same level of mainstream recognition.

To address this, the first 15 minutes of Soloz: Game of Life features Hun Haqeem’s Soloz breaking down what MLBB is during a livestream. And the way it’s done? Let’s just say it felt like being spoon-fed puréed vegetables. Sure, I get it—they had to lay it out for the uninitiated. But for someone already familiar with the game, it was a bit of a slog. Thankfully, the filmmakers must have realised how tedious this could be because they threw in some CGI cinematics to spice up the explanations. While it didn’t make me leap out of my seat, it did help the scene go down easier.

Now, as a fan of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), I couldn’t ignore the glaring inaccuracies in how the tournament was portrayed. The film’s depiction of the MPL felt oversimplified and failed to capture the rigorous structure and intense grind that define competitive esports.

For me, this was a missed opportunity. Sure, focusing on the actual tournament format might have meant sacrificing screen time elsewhere, but it could have added layers of authenticity and showcased the emotional and mental toll that professional players endure. This could’ve also deepened character development, allowing viewers to form a stronger connection with Soloz and his teammates.

That said, I do understand why the filmmakers made this choice. As I’ll explain later, their priorities clearly leaned towards appealing to a broader audience, which inevitably meant sidelining some of the finer details that hardcore fans like myself would have appreciated. Still, as much as I get it, I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down by the lack of accuracy.

Melodrama & MLBB

The tone and style of Soloz: Game of Life admittedly isn’t my cup of tea, but I know Malaysians will find it deeply familiar. It leans into the tropes of classic Malay TV dramas, a genre beloved by the nation. While it’s not my personal preference, I have to admit the film is beautifully shot. In fact, aesthetically speaking, it’s almost the polar opposite of its over-the-top narrative style.

However, the film’s antagonist—played by Ikmal Amry—takes the concept of “over the top” to new heights. Campy, unrealistic, and dialled up to eleven, the character feels more cartoon villain than a credible rival. That said, Ikmal’s performance deserves credit for fully committing to the chaos.

The issue, in my view, isn’t the acting but the writing and pacing. It is very clear this isn’t a story crafted for film buffs seeking nuanced characters and a tight script. Instead, it’s a message—a direct and earnest one—for parents and kids alike.

Gaming as a career still carries a significant stigma among Malaysia’s older generation, who often see it as a time-wasting distraction. This movie, however, is on a mission to challenge that perception. Its message? Gaming can lead to success—but only if you follow these rules: don’t let games interfere with your studies, don’t neglect your family, and most importantly, get your parents’ blessing if you want to go pro.

Is this message corny? Absolutely. But I recognise that my perspective comes from a very different background and upbringing. For many in Malaysia, these themes resonate because they directly address real cultural tensions. And while the delivery might not have been my favourite, I appreciate how the movie tackles the age-old “gaming vs. academics” debate with some practical advice.

In one of the film’s more commendable efforts, it essentially gives gamers a script for how to approach the “parent talk.” The writers offer a recipe for success: acknowledge your parents’ concerns, empathise with their struggles, and articulate your own ambitions without invalidating their worries. It’s a thoughtful touch, and while it might feel overly prescriptive, it serves as a helpful guide for bridging the generational divide over esports.

Verdict

Ultimately, Soloz: Game of Life is an ambitious attempt to merge the world of esports with a narrative style that caters to a distinctly Malaysian audience. While some moments hit close to home for anyone familiar with the grind of competitive gaming, others lean heavily into melodrama, sometimes sacrificing authenticity for theatrics. If you’re okay with that, then definitely give this movie a shot. If not, it’s still worth checking out—but you don’t need to be racing to the cinema.

The film isn’t without its charm, especially for fans of Mobile Legends or those curious about the story of Malaysia’s biggest streamer. However, it’s less about being an esports masterpiece and more about being a love letter to a culture trying to understand and embrace the gaming phenomenon. If and when it hits streaming platforms, it’s definitely worth a casual watch—even if it’s just to see what all the fuss is about.

Final Score: 60/100

We attended a premiere of Soloz: Game of Life courtesy of Moonton Games. Soloz: Game of Life premieres in Malaysian cinemas on 23 January 2025.