The sun sets on the Italian circuit of Imola, casting long shadows across the track where dreams are made and broken. It is here, in the heart of motorsport, that a young Brazilian driver named Ayrton Senna da Silva begins his ascent to greatness. "Calling," the first episode of Netflix's "Senna" Season 1, is a poignant portrayal of the early struggles and triumphs of a man who would become a legend in the world of Formula 1.
The episode opens with the thunderous roar of engines at the Imola Grand Prix, a stark contrast to the quiet determination of Senna as he leads the race. The camera captures the intensity of the moment, the sixth lap, where every turn and every second counts. The race is a microcosm of Senna's life—a relentless pursuit of victory against all odds. The commentator's voice, filled with concern, echoes the unease of the crowd as Senna's Williams car crashes violently into the wall. The scene shifts to the sterile quiet of a hospital in Bologna, where Senna's dreams temporarily falter, but his spirit remains unbroken.
In a parallel narrative, we are introduced to Beco, a young karting prodigy with the same fiery ambition that would define Senna's career. Beco's victory in a karting race is a moment of joy, but it is quickly overshadowed by the harsh reality of a tiebreaker ruling that denies him the championship. This setback fuels his resolve, and he negotiates with his father to pursue his dreams in Formula Ford, a decision that would change his life forever.
The episode delves into the complex relationship between Beco and his father, a man torn between the financial burden of racing and the unwavering belief in his son's talent. Beco's offer to sell their cherished Impala to finance his racing dreams is a testament to his determination. The conversation is a delicate dance of doubt and hope, culminating in the father's reluctant but heartfelt support.
As Beco steps into the world of Formula Ford, the episode captures the raw intensity of his first taste of real competition. His rivalry with Quique Mansilla is a study in contrasts—Beco's aggressive, fearless driving against Mansilla's calculated precision. Each race is a battle of wills, pushing Beco to the edge of his abilities and beyond.
The final race of the season is a crescendo of tension and excitement. Beco's victory is not just a win; it is a declaration of his arrival on the racing scene. The celebration that follows is bittersweet, as Beco reflects on the sacrifices he has made and the challenges that lie ahead. The episode concludes with Beco at a crossroads, faced with the decision to leave his life in Brazil for the unknown opportunities in England. His choice to pursue his racing career abroad is a leap of faith, a step into the unknown that would shape his destiny.
"Calling" is a powerful opening to "Senna" Season 1, a narrative that weaves the personal and professional lives of a man destined for greatness. It is a story of passion, ambition, and the unyielding pursuit of a dream. As we watch Beco transform into the legend we know as Senna, we are reminded that every great journey begins with a single step into the unknown.