The mini-series Sennawhich traces the life of the famous Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, has aroused as much enthusiasm as debate. With its six episodes, it promised to explore the career and personality of the Brazilian icon. However, if it shines with its production and its spectacular racing scenes, it suffers from a flagrant lack of historical and emotional depth. From the first minutes, the quality of the production is undeniable. The racing scenes, which seem straight out of the 80s and 90s, captivate. Sound effects and carefully chosen camera angles immerse us in the frenetic world of Formula 1. Legendary races, such as the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, are depicted with almost hypnotic precision, and the tension of the circuits is palpable.
Fascinated by cars since childhood, Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna became a sporting legend, until tragedy struck and changed Formula 1 forever.
The performances of the actors, especially the main performer, also deserve to be praised. Leone plays Senna with unsettling intensity, making the illusion so perfect that it's sometimes difficult to remember he's an actor. Matt Mella's interpretation as Alain Prost, although less striking, brings a touch of credible rivalry, essential to the story. However, beyond the aesthetics, the narrative content of the series leaves something to be desired. The portrait of Ayrton Senna is too simplified, almost caricatured. The series makes him a hero without flaws, an almost Christ-like figure, constantly the victim of supposed injustice. Conversely, his opponents, in particular Alain Prost, are painted in a deliberately negative light, creating a Manichean dichotomy that is not very credible.
Far from paying homage to the complexity of the man, this smooth and romanticized approach deprives the viewer of an honest exploration of his personality. Senna was certainly an exceptional driver, but he was also human, with his gray areas and his mistakes. The series chooses to systematically ignore or justify them, which ends up making the narrative artificial and predictable. Historical fidelity, or rather lack thereof, is another point of disappointment. Although any biographical work takes certain creative liberties, here inaccuracies abound. For example, the Monaco 1985 podium incident, where the series shows Prost outranking Senna by one step, is not only fictional but also contrary to the records. These distortions, although often minor, accumulate to the point of blurring the line between reality and fiction.
Additionally, some key aspects of Senna's life are grossly glossed over or omitted. For example, the rivalry with Nelson Piquet, which had a profound impact on the Brazilian media landscape of the 1980s, is barely mentioned. The series prefers to devote time to often clichéd sentimental intrigues, to the detriment of more substantial content. The telenovela aspect of the series is perhaps its Achilles heel. Senna's romantic relationships, while important for understanding his personal life, are presented in a melodramatic, even kitsch, manner. The series dwells at length on his relationship with Xuxa, Brazilian television star, while minimizing that with Adriane Galisteu, his companion during his last moments. This script choice unbalances the story and takes away depth from the narration.
The introduction of a fictional character, Laura Harrison, is another notable weakness. Presented as a journalist supposed to reflect international media opinion, her role falls flat. Her presence, combined with unconvincing acting, disrupts immersion and gives the impression that she was added solely to fill narrative gaps. Despite its flaws, the series succeeds in capturing the frenzy of Formula 1 racing. The sequences on the circuits are of rare intensity and will delight fans of motorsport. However, the narrative struggles to balance these exhilarating moments with a more nuanced exploration of Senna's life and career. By focusing almost exclusively on his status as a national hero, the series misses the opportunity to examine the more complex aspects of his journey.
Ultimately, Senna is a series that entertains without convincing. Spectators looking for an immersion in the world of Formula 1 or a visual celebration of Senna's exploits will undoubtedly find what they are looking for. But those hoping for a sincere, authentic exploration of the man behind the helmet may be disappointed. Ayrton Senna was a fascinating figure, both for his exceptional talent and for his contradictions. A miniseries had the potential to reveal these facets and delve into the personal and professional struggles that forged his legend. Unfortunately, this production chooses to remain on the surface, favoring the spectacular to the detriment of the truth.
If I had to recommend a work more faithful to the story and the personality of the pilot, it would without hesitation be the documentary Senna. The latter better captures the essence of the man and his era, offering a rich and nuanced portrait of one of the greatest pilots in history. Senna is a visually stunning and sometimes moving series, but which suffers from its superficiality and historical liberties. It is aimed above all at unconditional fans of the pilot, ready to accept a romanticized and idealized story. For others, it remains good entertainment, but without depth. Ayrton Senna didn't need an embellished legend. His real story, already extraordinary, was more than enough.
Note : 4.5/10. In short, although the rhythm is good, visually it is worked, the background looks like a wave telenovela.
Available on Netflix
