Being Serena

Being Serena, released in 2018, is an intimate, highly revealing, and artistically-produced HBO documentary series that provides an unparalleled inside look into the life of one of today’s most prominent and illustrious athletic figures: Serena Williams. The docu-series allows viewers to get a first-hand account of Serena's personal and professional journey, unveiling a more vulnerable, human side of the tennis titan that lies beneath the facade of seemingly invincibility on the court.

The five-part series is a master study of resilience, perseverance, and courage in face of adversities, delivering an unprecedented view into Serena's life as she endured overwhelming challenges including physical strains, media criticism, and societal pressures. The series balances the core narrative between Serena’s highly-competitive professional life and her personal life, sharing her struggles, determination, and triumphs in both domains.

On the professional aspect, Being Serena shines a light on the athletic phenomenon that has reinvented and redefined the realm of tennis. Serena Williams, a former world No. 1 in women’s singles tennis, has been a dominant fixture on the circuit for decades. The show intricately delves into her raw physicality, aggressive gameplay, strategic prowess, and her psychological toughness. It examines her training regimes, match preparations, as well as the injuries and the intense recovery processes she has had to endure in order to retain her top position in the world of tennis. Highlights of some of her most notable matches and interactions with her competitors and colleagues further illustrate her ascension and resilience in this intensely competitive sport.

Parallel to her professional journey, the show gives viewers a fresh perspective on her personal life, chronicling her journey into motherhood and marriage. Serena’s pregnancy complications and life-threatening health issues during childbirth are handled with sublime sensitivity, translating her harrowing experiences in a way that connects deeply with audiences. The show also shimmers a light on her marriage to internet entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, including their romantic encounters, their wedding planning, and their efforts to maintain a loving relationship amid their seemingly conflicting schedules and commitments.

Moreover, the series distinctly showcases Serena’s involvement in the fashion industry and her aspirational endeavors to establish herself as a successful entrepreneur. The show lets viewers have a glimpse of her participation in fashion-related events and meetings for her own clothing line, underscoring her deep passion and unique vision for fashion.

While Being Serena predominantly features Serena Williams herself, viewers also get to witness moments with her close-knit family. Interaction with her sister and fellow tennis professional, Venus Williams, is captured beautifully, providing insights into their close bond as sisters and competitors alike. Other family members, her friends, as well as her coaching and management team also make appearances, further enhancing our understanding of the inner workings of her life.

The show’s true beauty resides in its intimate portrayal of Serena as more than just a globally renowned athlete. It humanizes her in a way the public domain has rarely seen, celebrating her victories whilst also acquainting audiences with her vulnerabilities, struggles, and fears. It provides a broader portrayal of Serena Williams, encapsulating her not just as an exceptional sports figure, but also as a dedicated mother, loving wife, aspiring fashion designer, and a woman making her mark on the world.

By delving into her personal and professional life, Being Serena paints an inspiring picture of resilience and determination. Despite where the viewers stand on sports or their prior knowledge of Serena Williams, this HBO series provides a captivating exploration of what it takes to be a woman pushing the boundaries in an array of societal domains.

In conclusion, Being Serena introduces a multifaceted exploration of Serena Williams' iconic life that goes well beyond the tennis court, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and casual audiences alike.