3.0 out of 5 star rating
As a longtime enthusiast of motorsports, I must admit that I was eagerly anticipating the release of “Senna.” Ayan Mukherjee’s portrayal of the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna is indeed visually stunning, with its high-budget production values and nail-biting race sequences. The series does a commendable job of capturing the adrenaline-pumping thrill of racing, making even a casual fan like myself feel the heart-stopping moments of each competition.
This review is based on the first three episodes of Senna.
Regardless of whether you’re a passionate Formula 1 enthusiast or only casually interested in the sport, it’s likely that you’ve come across the name Ayrton Senna.
This could be the reason due to the highly praised 2010 documentary by Asif Kapadia titled Senna, which won two awards at the BAFTAs: one for the Best Documentary and another for Best Editing.
Yet, his impact extends beyond just motorsports due to his permeation into the broader international cultural zeitgeist, much like Ayrton Senna did, whose untimely demise at a young age added to his iconic status.
In Brazil, this statement rings especially true, and it’s understandable that fans of Senna, not just globally but particularly in his homeland, will approach Netflix’s six-part biographical drama about his life with a mix of anticipation and caution, eager to ensure the series honors his legacy appropriately.
From the start, the movie about Senna presents him with a deep respect and admiration for the real person.
This documentary, made with assistance from his family, chronicles Senna’s transformation – starting as a kart racer in Brazil, all the way to racing in Formula Ford in England.
I recount my journey through the thrilling account of his triumphs, detailing his impressive three Formula 1 championship victories. Sadly, this racing legend met a tragic end in an accident that occurred in Italy, during the exhilarating San Marino Grand Prix.
Initially, he finds himself in a familiar role – the underrated outsider, facing ridicule and contempt due to his Brazilian heritage in England. However, time and again, he manages to astonish others by exceeding their assumptions.
Some viewers might appreciate the respectful approach taken in this documentary, but it could potentially lessen the tension for others due to the portrayal of Senna as almost infallible. If there are instances where Senna appears wrong or out of line, they seem more like byproducts of his relentless pursuit of his predestined path.
In the portrayal of his character, Gabriel Leone from Ferrari does an impressive job, making him captivating, yet this isn’t a series that delves deeply into characters or strays far from typical sports movie tropes.
The issue is recurrent and evident not just in the main characters but also the sidekicks, and it seems to stand out more vividly among them.
The show primarily spotlights Senna’s personal journey, making sense given its focus, however it results in other characters serving as mere puzzle pieces within his life narrative. These characters typically possess one or two distinctive personality traits, but they largely function as blank slates for Senna to engage with.
To illustrate, we have his adversary, the French racing driver Alain Prost. Frequently, they engage in contests, and the intense rivalry between them is evident. However, aside from this, not much is disclosed about Prost, his reasons for competing, his personal history, or even his deeper feelings towards Senna, apart from his desire to outperform him.
Senna’s family dynamics were quite ordinary, yet supportive. His father nudged him forward, but not excessively or in a way that sparked significant tension. Meanwhile, his mother yearned for him back in Brazil, yet managed to watch him race on several occasions, frequently expressing her pride and encouragement. However, the narrative lacks the intensity typically associated with dramatic family dynamics.
Furthermore, we encounter Laura, portrayed by Kaya Scodelario, who frequently appears in the series. She often provides Senna with wise counsel and serves as a representation of any genuine journalists who supported him during his journey and held faith in him since the beginning.
Once more, Scodelario delivers a powerful portrayal. Her on-screen connection with Leone is palpable, and these interactions offer insights into Senna’s personal thoughts as well as the broader racing community during that period. Essentially, it’s about advancing the narrative; there’s no deep character development or profound revelations present.
Currently, just three episodes out of a potential series have been released for critique, leaving us uncertain about where the plot might go, given its sorrowful conclusion.
However, thus far everything in the series has played out incredibly traditionally, and with a sense that it’s all been a bit sanitised. Even the breakdown of his marriage, prime real estate for drama, is skirted over fairly quickly.
Absolutely, the story’s traditional nature makes it quite engaging to watch. It follows the ups and downs typical of sports dramas, and once you immerse yourself in these moments, they become compelling. There’s an undeniable feeling of delight when he triumphs in a race or reaches a new accomplishment.
However, despite these issues, it’s not accurate to conclude that the series is a complete failure. Fortunately, there are three main explanations for its continued success.
One point worth noting is the captivating, powerful portrayal delivered by Leone. He convincingly takes on the role of a compelling leading character, effectively conveying the more emotionally charged scenes, thus making his interpretation of Senna particularly appealing and endearing.
As a film enthusiast, I was captivated by the stunning visuals this series presented. While the exact budget remains undisclosed, I can’t help but speculate that it must be significant, given the high-quality production values evident throughout the show.
The type of content Netflix was once renowned for seems to have taken a backseat recently, as the streaming service has reoriented its focus, leaving a void that appears to be filled by Apple, which now seems to dominate the ‘prestige’ category.
Lastly, it’s crucial to mention that the central aspect of any racing drama is undeniably the actual competitions.
Filming Formula 1 isn’t always straightforward due to the challenges in capturing the excitement, speed, and danger inherent in the races. Representing these aspects effectively may result in either a monotonous, lifeless portrayal or a chaotic, rough presentation that’s hard to keep up with.
In this instance, I’m utterly captivated! The races aren’t just events; they’re heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thrillers that are magnificently brought to life. There’s an undeniable feeling of peril in the air, but also a showcase of Senna’s remarkable skill.
For individuals with minimal understanding of Formula 1, it’s effortlessly comprehensible when strategies are being utilized and why the driving exhibits both technical prowess and a creative finesse.
It’s important to mention that, after just three episodes, there’s plenty more to look forward to. A significant portion of the series’ reputation will hinge on its portrayal and exploration of Senna’s accident, a pivotal event that needs to be handled accurately and effectively.
In the third installment, they underscore his significance to Brazil’s national narrative by highlighting key aspects. This episode offers one of the most impactful scenes yet, serving to connect various themes and adding richness to a tale that might have seemed superficial otherwise.
At the midpoint, it’s important to note that Senna doesn’t guarantee a gripping dramatic experience. While it’s certainly worth watching, the show falls short in truly delving into its main character or developing the secondary characters. Consequently, it feels somewhat flat and foreseeable, although it’s saved by an outstanding central performance and some thrilling, high-voltage race scenes.
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2024-11-21 05:05