‘Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta’ Netflix Review - Unmasking the Pop Phenomenon

As someone who has always been fascinated by the tension between public personas and private realities, I dove into Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta with curiosity. On the surface, Anitta is the ultimate Brazilian pop diva—bold, confident, and always in control. But this Netflix documentary promises to go beyond the glamorous music videos and high-energy performances to reveal the real woman behind the stage name. And for the most part, it succeeds.

The film opens with Anitta—no stage lights, no extravagant costumes—just Larissa de Macedo Machado, reflecting on her transformation from a young girl in Honório Gurgel to a global music icon. This opening moment sets the tone for a documentary that isn’t just a highlight reel of career milestones but a deeper exploration of the cost of fame.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its unprecedented access. We see Anitta in the recording studio, during high-pressure meetings, on stage at Rio’s Carnival, and in her quiet moments of self-reflection. The documentary doesn’t just focus on her triumphs but also the struggles that come with being a trailblazer in the male-dominated music industry. We get glimpses of her fights with record labels, the exhaustion behind those electrifying performances, and the weight of carrying an entire cultural movement on her shoulders. It’s a well-rounded look at an artist who has built her career on reinvention and resilience.

Structurally, the film jumps between different points in Anitta’s life, mirroring the chaos of her reality. One moment, we’re in 2022 witnessing her historic rise on the Billboard charts; the next, we’re back in her childhood home, hearing about her first attempts at making music. This nonlinear storytelling works in some ways—it keeps the film dynamic and fast-paced, much like Anitta herself. But at times, it feels a little too scattered, like the filmmakers are so eager to showcase every aspect of her life that they don’t allow any single moment to fully sink in.

A particularly compelling aspect of the documentary is how it highlights the contrast between Anitta, the superstar, and Larissa, the person. It’s easy to see how fame has become both a blessing and a burden. On one hand, she revels in success, pushing boundaries for Latin artists and embracing her role as a cultural ambassador. On the other, she struggles with the constant scrutiny, the expectations, and the pressure to always be on. We see her frustration when critics try to define her music, her brand, and even her personality. It’s a reminder that no matter how confident someone appears, the world’s gaze can be exhausting.

Another highlight is the film’s exploration of Anitta’s impact beyond music. She’s not just a singer; she’s an activist, a businesswoman, and a symbol of Brazilian representation on a global scale. The documentary touches on her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, her outspoken nature in Brazilian politics, and her push to bring funk carioca—a genre rooted in Rio’s favelas—to the mainstream. These moments add depth to the narrative, showing that her career isn’t just about catchy songs but about challenging norms and carving out space for marginalized voices.

That said, while the film does a solid job of showing the real Anitta, there are times when it feels like it’s still holding back. For all its raw, behind-the-scenes moments, it never fully dives into the more controversial aspects of her career. We get glimpses of the conflicts with her management, her past relationships, and the industry politics she’s had to navigate, but the documentary never lingers long enough to provide deeper insight. It feels like there’s another layer waiting to be explored—one that perhaps Anitta herself isn’t ready to share just yet.

Visually, the film is as vibrant as Anitta’s stage presence. The cinematography captures the energy of her concerts, the intimacy of her personal life, and the beauty of the places that shaped her. The music, of course, is a constant presence, weaving through the documentary and reminding us why she’s become a global sensation.

In the end, Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta is a compelling watch, especially for fans who have followed her journey from the beginning. It’s a mix of spectacle and sincerity, much like Anitta herself. While it doesn’t dig as deep as it could, it offers enough insight to appreciate the complexities of one of Latin music’s most dynamic stars. Whether you love her or not, one thing is clear—Anitta isn’t just playing a role. She’s rewriting the rules.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times