"Senna" is a 2010 documentary film that depicts the life and death of Brazilian motor-racing champion Ayrton Senna.
The film was directed by Asif Kapadia and produced by StudioCanal, Working Title Films, and Midfield Films. It was distributed by Universal Pictures in select territories.
The film focuses on Senna's racing career in Formula One, from his debut in the 1984 Brazilian Grand Prix to his tragic death in an accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. It particularly emphasizes Senna's intense rivalry with fellow driver Alain Prost. The narrative is told primarily through archival racetrack footage and home video clips provided by the Senna family, rather than retrospective interviews.
"Senna" received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 7.92/10. Critics praised the film's innovative construction, calling it a "live action drama" that delivers a "cinematic experience." The film won several awards, including the World Cinema Audience Award for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
However, the film's depiction of the Senna-Prost rivalry was criticized by Prost himself, who felt it did not adequately explore the evolution of their relationship from fierce competitors to friends in Senna's final months. The film was also nominated for a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.
Overall, "Senna" is a celebrated documentary that offers an immersive and thrilling look into the life and legacy of one of Formula One's greatest drivers, Ayrton Senna. Through its innovative storytelling and use of archival footage, the film provides a powerful and emotional portrait of Senna's remarkable career and tragic demise.