Anitta: Made In Honorio

Anitta: Made In Honorio is a documentary series that premiered on Netflix in 2020, providing a captivating and deeply personal look into the life and career of the Brazilian singing sensation, Anitta. This six-part series is much more than just a biographical account of Anitta’s entrance into the music industry; it presents an intimate, no-holds-barred view of an artist tackling the manifold challenges and pressures of superstardom while still striving to remain true to herself and her roots.

Born Larissa de Macedo Machado, Anitta hails from Honorio Gurgel, a working-class neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This detail is central to the documentary, as the title of the series hints. Anitta is unapologetically honest about her humble origins and the struggles she faced, continually emphasizing the deep-rooted connection she maintains with her birthplace, as well as how this shapes her attitude towards her work.

The documentary spans various aspects of Anitta's life, culminating in a broad narrative that provides a balanced mixture of personal matters, career pursuits and behind-the-scenes insight. Audiences get to journey with Anitta as she navigates the perils and challenges associated with the music industry at a global level. From gruelling rehearsals, strategic business meetings, and high-stakes performances to the quiet moments of self-reflection and emotionally charged personal matters, the series offers viewers a unique close-up of Anitta’s world.

What stands out in Anitta: Made In Honorio is how the series dives into the contradictions of Anitta's life as she grapples with these dual existences: the glamour of the limelight versus the pull of an ordinary life, the weight of ambition at odds with the desire for personal comfort, and the energetic performer on stage juxtaposed with the private individual dealing with her issues.

While affectionately chronicling Anitta's rise to international fame, the series also explores the strained relationship with her mother, her dealings with debilitating anxiety, and her commitment to authenticity despite the beauty norms of the industry. Very openly and bravely, the series amplifies Anitta's voice on various social issues close to her heart, including feminism, and the implications of being a successful woman in an inherently male-dominated industry.

Anitta's business acumen is another influential thread within the series. It's evident that she plays a commanding part in her brand’s growth and trajectory – negotiating contracts, deciding on performances, and even managing her social media. This entrepreneurial spirit blends seamlessly with her persona as a beloved daughter, a caring sister, and a friend who continues to grapple with personal insecurities while standing tall in the face of numerous professional challenges – thereby adding layers to Anitta's portrayal on the screen.

Also integral to the narrative is Anitta's loyalty to Brazil’s Funk Carioca, a genre of music widely dismissed by the country’s upper classes, yet universally recognized as one of Brazil's most authentic musical expressions. Anitta has elevated the genre to international recognition, broadening the global understanding of Brazilian music beyond just bossa nova and samba, simultaneously breaking down social barriers within her home country.

The portrayal of the eclectic neighbourhood of Honorio Gurgel adds vibrant, distinct layers to the narrative. This backdrop serves as a reminder of Anitta's origins, her deep sense of belonging to the community, and her continual efforts to uplift and represent those from similar backgrounds on the global stage.

Anitta: Made in Honorio offers a unique opportunity to understand an international pop star from an intensely intimate perspective unlike traditional celebrity documentaries. The series is filled with raw, emotional moments, notable stages in Anitta's career journey, and plenty of performances that showcase her undeniable talent and captivating stage presence. All things considered, the series offers a balanced glance into an individual’s complex life, straddling stardom and reality, adored by fans worldwide yet remaining firmly connected to her roots.

For fans of Anitta, this series is an absolute must-watch. For others, it serves as a heartening narrative of a young woman from a small neighbourhood who defied odds, broke barriers, and dared to dream big - a testament to the power of determination and resilience.