SENNA

You should see Senna if you want a sports documentary centered not only on excellence, but also on visible Christian devotion. Ayrton Senna’s drive, effort and determination come through in extensive archival footage, while his Bible reading, daily prayer and Catholic Rosary practice give the story a deeper focus.

The film also shows accusations that Senna sometimes showboated or allowed small crashes to happen in order to defeat his chief rival. Yet the review presents Senna as responding to attacks on his faith with grace and peace, proving himself on the track instead. That combination of fierce competition and public devotion makes the documentary an encouraging example for young and old.

The practical answer: Senna is worth seeing, especially for older children and adults, while parents should weigh the brief profanity and crash footage.

Ayrton Senna of Brazil may have been the greatest Formula One race-car driver ever. Through extensive archival footage, this documentary follows his incredible drive, effort and determination in a complex sport built around both racing results and team point-scoring.

But Senna is also a portrait of a man whose Catholic Christian faith shaped his public words and private practices. As he faces fierce competition and criticism, the film asks what kind of character can withstand both pressure and success.

Three stars means Senna is a compelling, worthwhile documentary, though not an unquestioned masterpiece. Its extensive archival footage gives viewers direct access to Senna’s racing, determination and public statements about faith.

The film’s strongest feature is its portrait of a devout Christian man who made a powerful impression on Brazil and beyond. It connects his athletic achievement with his effort to respond to opponents with grace and peace. The documentary’s global success and strong early U.S. box office also show how effectively this story reached audiences beyond Formula One’s usual American following.

Senna presents a strong moral worldview through the life of a very devout Roman Catholic Christian. Senna speaks openly about his faith, while others describe his quiet practice of reading the Bible and praying the Catholic Rosary daily. The film exalts determination, discipline and the ability to answer mockery with grace rather than retaliation.

The documentary also acknowledges moral complexity. Senna is accused of showboating and of allowing small crashes to happen in order to defeat his chief rival. His rival sometimes mocks Senna’s faith, but Senna responds by proving himself on the track. The film therefore presents competitive excellence alongside a visible Christian witness.

Its central picture of faith aligns with Scripture’s call to respond to hostility without repaying evil for evil: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them” (Romans 12:14). Senna’s public devotion is also shown as something that shaped how others remembered his life.

Senna offers a compelling portrait of racing excellence joined to visible Christian devotion. Parents of older children can weigh the brief profanity and crash footage, but the film’s example of determination and grace is worth receiving. WORTH THE TRIP.