Senna Movie Review and Film Summary 2024
The mere mention of Ayrton Senna sparks a range of emotions, especially for Brazilians and Formula 1 enthusiasts. An exceptional driver, young and attractive, he shone a light on the struggles of his homeland during his time in the limelight. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in 1994 at the age of 34 in a tragic car accident during the San Marino Grand Prix. The documentary “Senna” by Asif Kapadia, released in 2010, beautifully weaves together archival footage to tell the story of the racer’s life. But Netflix’s new series exploring his fast-paced, short-lived career falls short of the mark.
Showrunner Vicente Amorim takes a “Crown”-esque approach to portraying Senna, played by the charismatic Gabriel Leone. The series starts with the fatal crash and flashes back to his childhood in Brazil, where his father instilled in him a love for driving. From his early days in go-kart racing to his rise through Formula Ford and beyond, the show captures his ambition, his thirst for victory, and the challenges he faced. We witness his encounters with racism in European racing circuits and his tense relationship with rivals like Alain Prost (played by Matt Mella).
Leone’s portrayal of Senna fills some of the gaps in the series. He embodies Senna’s charisma and vulnerability with authenticity, despite the limited complexity of the character. The real standout, however, is the thrilling race sequences that expertly convey the speed and intensity of Senna’s career. Each race presents unique challenges, showcasing Senna’s skill and determination.
Where the series falters is in its depiction of Senna’s relationships with women and Brazil. His advocacy for his country is reduced to simplistic scenes of Brazilian children watching in awe, overlooking the political turmoil of the time. Similarly, his romantic entanglements feel superficial, portraying women as mere accessories to Senna’s greatness.
With six hour-long episodes, “Senna” moves at a decent pace, though it’s marred by predictable sports-story tropes. While it may offer entertaining holiday viewing, it lacks the depth and cinematic quality of the 2010 documentary. For a more nuanced and honest portrayal of Senna’s career, the documentary remains the frontrunner.
The series is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering a glimpse into the life of a legendary racer.
