Senna
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Joe Williams
    Sep 2, 2011
    100
    With such supercharged material under the hood, a magnetic man behind the wheel and a nimble director manning the pits, Senna is simply the greatest sports film I have ever seen.
  2. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Joshua Rothkopf
    Aug 10, 2011
    100
    Phenomenally sad yet exhilarating.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Alison Willmore
    Aug 10, 2011
    91
    Senna is considered one of motorsporting's greats, but Asif Kapadia's film also makes it clear he was a sort of artist, his talent accompanied by an unquenchable thirst for excellence and a belief that racing offered him a connection to God.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    Aug 10, 2011
    91
    With exemplary use of archival footage, director Asif Kapadia expertly contrasts episodes of adrenaline-rush speed with moments of reflective slow motion to capture the addictive thrill and danger of the sport, as well as the personal values of the humble, spiritual sportsman.
  5. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    Aug 12, 2011
    90
    You don't have to know or care anything about Formula One auto racing, or ever have heard of the legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, to become fully drawn into this film's universe.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    Aug 11, 2011
    90
    A documentary with the pace of a thriller, a story of motors and machines that is beyond compelling because of the intensely human story it tells.
  7. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joe Morgenstern
    Aug 11, 2011
    90
    What's most rewarding, though, is that Mr. Senna speaks extensively and eloquently for himself, and reveals himself to be an eminently human hero. He's thoughtful, even philosophical, about decisions that deprive him of seemingly well-earned victories.
  8. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Aug 25, 2011
    88
    Senna is what film critics might call a TMSI movie, as in: Trust me, see it.
  9. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    Aug 18, 2011
    88
    Exhilarating and tragic.
  10. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    Aug 18, 2011
    88
    The film is a remarkable experience on a purely sensory level, and the best of its archival footage - on the track, in private meetings with drivers before the races, from the white-knuckle, over-the-shoulder perspective of Senna himself - is pure gold.
  11. NPR
    Reviewed by: Ian Buckwalter
    Aug 12, 2011
    85
    The truth may not be quite that simple, but Kapadia's slightly ecstatic version of it makes for gripping viewing.
  12. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    Aug 25, 2011
    83
    In some ways, Senna is as pure and clean as the man's sport: as actor/racer Paul Newman liked to say, the winners of auto races are determined, unlike movies, by objective criteria. And although it's a subjective judgment, it's hard to see how anyone wouldn't be absorbed by this fascinating film about a formidable driver and man.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. natineptune3000
    10
    I have never been an F1 fanatic, or been interested in cars, I do however possess a great passion for documentaries. For this reason I can say, without a doubt, that this is the best documentary I have ever seen.… Full Review »
  2. Longbottom94
    9
    A documentary that creates a surprising amount of tension, even though most of the audience knows the outcome. Senna is able to give an intriguing insight into the real Ayrton Senna, a man obsessed with his sport. A great documentary for fans of Formula 1 or not.… Full Review »
  3. jsowers
    8
    Senna is a solid movie and a great example of a documentary that succeeds only by using archive footage. The racing is exciting and I really got a sense of how Formula 1 racing can be addicting and dangerous.

    One interesting note, I can't say I really admire Ayrton Senna. The film portrays him positively but reading between the lines I can definitely see why things wound up for him the way they did. He was a good patriot and a kind giver but that cannot wash away the fact that he was addicted to winning and used dubious methods to achieve it. He took many risks reaching for #1 and frequently put himself and other drivers in great danger.

    It was because of these methods he was so often a champion and I cannot say the man was without drive. However, I would not want to be in a race alongside Ayrton Senna.    … Full Review »
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