Senna Review: Biographical Drama on Formula One Driver Ayrton Senna is Interesting but Feels Too Long

Senna Review (2024, Netflix) | Leisurebyte

Director: Vicente Amorim

Date Created: 2024-11-29 13:30

Editor's Rating:
3

This Netflix biographical drama series Senna, depicting an amazing career path of Ayrton Senna, from his humble beginnings in go-karting in Brazil to achieve victories as the three-time world Formula 1 champion. The meteoric rise has also included big rivalries. But its tragic end takes on the entire racing career which he met during the San Marino Grand Prix.

The series has 6 episodes, each with a runtime of 60 – 70 minutes.

-Mild Spoilers-

Senna Review

As someone with virtually no knowledge of Formula One, let alone Ayrton Senna, I approached Netflix’s Senna with a clean slate. I wasn’t here for historical accuracy or an in-depth critique of racing mechanics. My only expectation was an engaging story about a legendary figure. And while Senna had its moments—delivering stunning visuals and adrenaline-pumping race sequences—it ultimately felt weighed down by its length.

The first episode is a real bang, catapulting you into the intensity of Senna’s early struggles and unyielding determination. Watching him rise against all odds—prejudice in England and battling strong rivals—almost instantly pulls you into the drama. Gabriel Leone is a highlight as Senna, bringing his charm and unyielding drive to life, and it’s hard not to root for him even when the narrative feels overly polished.

But as the series progresses, the cracks begin to show. At 60 minutes per episode, Senna often ends up looking overstuffed in making shallow points instead of meaningful depth. Though the racing sequences are electric and nail-biting, personal storylines—how he relates to his family, rivals, and even a fictional journalist Laura (Kaya Scodelario)—are left one-dimensional.

Kudos to director Vicente Amorim, who recreates that Formula 1 world so very meticulously. Race sequences have high-stakes visuals where the speed, danger, and precision of the game are in evidence. Yet, as a series, this is hardly successful in prying up the man behind the wheel. One of the more notable emphases of the series is on Senna himself. This is understandable from the subject but leaves little to flesh out the supporting cast. One can consider Senna’s rivalry with French driver Alain Prost as compelling but hardly developed. Beyond their fierce rivalry on the track, Prost’s character lacks depth. He makes us guess over whether he really felt angry, resentful, hurt, or whatever.

Senna’s parents and siblings are the sketchiest, supportive without bearing much in narrative. Of course, there’s Laura, the journalist offering a glimpse into Senna’s psyche, who does Kaya Scodelario quite interesting, doing good work in the part; however, she exists rather like a prop for plot’s progression to do exposition work instead of carrying anything that brings substance into that character. It’s such a lost opportunity for this story to add a certain complexity.

But all those frailties notwithstanding, Senna is undeniably viewable. Highs of his victory, the lows of struggle in Senna are so gripping because, on the whole, Leone’s portrayal comes out endearingly vulnerable to him. End. From the look, the series is quite rich in production value, making one feel that they are at the glamour and danger of Formula 1. Scenes on race are a triumph. So is the roaring of an engine and tension over the pit stops. They are dynamical, thrilling, and well choreographed. This is the heart of the series.

That isn’t where it fails-it is, however, woefully incapable of looking any further into the complexities of its subject. Senna comes out nearly flawless heroic with the force of destiny driving him, but brief hints towards darker or more human qualities are only provided. The sanitized story avoided messier truths, which would have added needed depth and tension.

Final Thoughts

Senna is a good series that pays respect to the legend in very beautifully shot performances and sequences of racing. However, too much polish in the storytelling and flatness in the characters prevent this film from being remembered in a real way. Die-hard fans of Ayrton Senna might find much to admire in it, but those seeking something more layered and emotionally rich might be left wanting.

Would I recommend it? If you’re already a fan of racing or looking for an entry point into Formula One history, it’s worth a watch. But for those craving a more nuanced or innovative take on a sports icon’s life, Senna might leave you wanting more.

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