Beckham Takes Soccer to a New Level
The Netflix docuseries, Beckham, directed by Fisher Stevens, came out a little over a month ago and I started watching it with my dad, not thinking that I’d have any interest in the show at all. Within the first five minutes, I was hooked. The show is incredibly crafted and gives you a complete perspective not only on David Beckham’s soccer career but his whole life. As someone who doesn’t know much about soccer, I enjoyed this series and it made me appreciate how sports can make people feel.
The show kicks off in the present day at Beckham's gorgeous house just outside of London. In the first scene, he shows the audience his honey-harvesting business. As random as it is, I think it is a charming way to introduce him as not only a superstar soccer player but as a human. I enjoy the way the series switches from present-day to his past, and straight into his childhood. The format of the show portrays his youth very well. It has a sentimental and nostalgic feel, almost as if the audience is experiencing his growth along with him. The directors also interviewed his mother and father to give a detailed retelling of his upbringing. Overall, it shows his enduring dedication to the sport as he grows up.
The series slowly builds up the tension and excitement by showing Beckham’s successful games leading up to the World Cup, before sending the energy to a crashing halt when portraying the kick that sent British soccer fans spiraling. All of Beckham’s highs and lows are revealed in an emotional but smooth way, which makes it intriguing and cohesive.
When Beckham focuses on the relationship between David and Victoria (Posh Spice), they get into a lot of details about their relationship without getting too off-track and distracted. However, I do wish the series explained more about the supposed affair between Beckham and his secretary. It is never specified whether or not Beckham actually cheated. When discussing this rocky part of their relationship, the directors chose to tiptoe around it while being very vague in the description of what happened regarding the cheating rumor. The show had been very honest about the mistakes Beckham made and his achievements, and I wonder why they were choosing not to be clear about whether or not this was true. Other than that, I can feel the charm and love between Beckham and Victoria. I like how they were interviewed separately so there was no influence on either one’s opinions, and we get two sides to the story.
Along with the clear quality of the film, the camera work is fantastic. I love the close-up shots of Beckham’s face during interviews, and the quality of even the older videos is clear. Many people who were prominent in Beckham's life were interviewed as part of the show, which I think enhanced the honesty of the series. From those cameos, the viewers then get to understand the perspective of his friends, family, enemies, coaches, and even the paparazzi. There are interviews that are also mixed between Beckham’s younger self and himself now reflecting on his previous experiences, which I think adds to the nostalgic feel.
Beyond educating the audience about Beckham’s soccer career, I feel the show has a deeper significance. Again, as someone who is not super into soccer, I think the show stresses the importance of the sport to the fans and the crowd. It shows how this incredible soccer player, who was put on a pedestal and admired by many, can make one mistake and get knocked down. It was interesting to me that people can care so much about this sport that they would deeply hate a player for one error. Also, I enjoy how the emotions and sensitivity of his personal life are balanced with the adrenaline and anxiety of his fame and sport. The many facets of his personality are seamlessly blended: Beckham on the field, Beckham in the spotlight, and Beckham just being himself.
This show left me wanting more, but in a way that any docuseries should. I believe it is great to give the watchers a taste of his life while also giving room to explore more curiosities they might have. Overall, the series knocks it out of the park (or field). It gives the viewers a perfect glimpse into David Beckham’s life, and it finishes on a positive note.
By Ella Marks