A Last Serve: Roger’s Emotional Tennis Farewell

Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Federer: Twelve Final Days
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Genre: Documentary, Sport
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Asif Kapadia, Joe Sabia
Where To Watch: coming to Prime Video on June 20, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: As the curtain draws on Roger Federer's illustrious career, FEDERER: TWELVE FINAL DAYS offers a poignant and captivating portrait of one of tennis' greats saying his final goodbyes. Directed by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, this Amazon Prime documentary offers a heartfelt narrative combining Federer's farewell with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. As viewers, we are treated to an intimate glimpse of Federer’s vulnerabilities and triumphs, blending his public persona with private moments that few have seen.

The documentary starts with an intense opener, showing Federer grappling with the monumental retirement decision. It’s a scene charged with emotion, setting a reflective tone that resonates throughout the film. Kapadia and Sabia excel in framing these critical moments, documenting the end of a sports era and capturing the emotional upheaval of such a life-altering decision.

Throughout the film, the directors weave a journey of deeply personal interactions between Federer and fellow tennis legends like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. These are more than just a stroll down memory lane of past matches; they’re explorations into the bonds forged through years of rivalry and respect. Each conversation layers our understanding of what Federer meant to his fans and fiercest competitors.

I wish the film had examined some of the complexities of Federer’s character in favor of a more polished, celebratory narrative. While the access provided is impressive, the film would have been a more overall journey if they could dive deeper into the more intricate aspects of Federer's life and decisions, providing a fuller picture of the man behind the myth.

One of the documentary’s standout sequences is the build-up and execution of Federer and Nadal’s last doubles match at the Laver Cup. This isn't just another match; it's a symbolic passing of the torch and a final act of camaraderie. Kapadia and Sabia handle this scene with a deft touch, emphasizing the emotional stakes over the game's technicalities, which magnifies the moment's impact.

The film also tackles some of the less flattering aspects of Federer's career, including his battle with injuries and the pressure of his final competitions. These segments portray a raw reality of sports, where even legends must face their limitations and confront the inevitable decline. The honesty in these moments grounds the film, reminding us that heroes are also human.

The emotional peak of FEDERER: TWELVE FINAL DAYS is undoubtedly Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup, surrounded by peers and icons like Björn Borg and John McEnroe. This is where the documentary transcends the boundaries of sports filmmaking, capturing a moment of profound closure that resonates with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a defining part of their life.

FEDERER: TWELVE FINAL DAYS is a film of duality, caught between celebration and introspection. It beautifully illustrates the end of an era for Federer and the sport of tennis, providing a dignified and profoundly moving narrative. While it may not reinvent the documentary form, it is a fitting tribute to a sports figure who has left an indelible mark on the world.

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human stories behind sporting legends. It offers a narrative that is as informative as it is touching. It assures us that while great careers end, the stories and impacts of such athletes endure.

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[photo courtesy of PRIME VIDEO]

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