‘The Champion’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - A Great Story But A Boring Plot

Another day, another sports movie. But this isn’t a documentary, this is a sports movie. At the heart of this dynamic story is the fiery and impassioned Diego. Known for his temperamental nature both on and off the field, Diego is a hot-headed person who struggles to connect with his teammates. His insistence on taking all the free kicks and penalties often leads to friction within the squad. Despite these challenges, Diego's exceptional talent on the field is undeniable. A true child prodigy, he was nurtured by his father from a young age and thrust into the spotlight of elite football. Now playing for Atlético Madrid in the prestigious La Liga league, Diego’s journey is marked by both his brilliant skills and his tumultuous relationships, making him a captivating figure in the world of football.

The movie begins with a dramatic opening scene focusing on Diego’s eyes. He misses to score a goal and all hell broke loose. He starts hurling abuses at his opponent, even injuring him. Not a good show Diego. Things don’t stop here, he attacks his own captain which leads him to get banned from two matches.

So that's it? Banning him was the solution? No, no, dear reader, you guessed it right. His team decides to make one final attempt to save his career from falling apart. Desperate to salvage their prodigious yet troubled star, they appoint Alex, a reserved psychology professor, to take care of him. Alex is a quiet but highly skilled professional, renowned for his expertise in psychology.  Despite his professional success, Alex's personal life has been fraught with challenges. Struggling with his own issues and in need of money, he reluctantly accepts the job. This unexpected assignment becomes a pivotal moment for both Alex and Diego. As Alex delves into the complexities of Diego's psyche, he must also confront his own demons. The stakes are high, and the journey they embark on together is fraught with tension, breakthroughs, and the hope of redemption.

Two polar opposite individuals, brought together by destiny, are forced to form an unlikely teacher-student bond. On one side is Alex, the reserved and introspective psychology professor, grappling with his own personal struggles. On the other side is Diego, the hot-headed football prodigy, whose volatile nature threatens to derail his promising career. Will this improbable partnership succeed? Can Alex break free from his own reservations and truly connect with Diego? And will Diego, known for his defiant attitude, be open to learning and self-improvement? Or is this merely a desperate publicity stunt orchestrated by the team to salvage their star player's image?

"The Champion," despite having a compelling story, lacks substance in its portrayal. It struggles to engage the audience, falling short of delivering the emotional impact it promises. The narrative is unique, with the potential to be deeply moving, yet it fails to achieve this goal. One significant issue is the character of Diego, who lacks depth and nuance. His portrayal comes off as one-dimensional, missing the complexity needed to make him truly relatable. Additionally, the acting tends to be over the top, detracting from the authenticity of the characters and their experiences. Instead of drawing viewers into the story, these elements create a disconnect, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters' journeys. Overall, it’s a one-time watch.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times