2023 Show
Orlando von Einsiedel · United Kingdom, United States of America · English
It’s urgent and it means well, but this documentary struggles to distinguish itself from many that came before it
It’s hard not to be struck by the inspiring stories of the six soldier-athletes we follow in Heart of Invictus. Many have lost limbs, most suffer from PTSD, and even others, like Ukrainian medic Yulia Paievska, are still active-duty and on the frontlines of war. They recall stories from their troubled past and uplifting present, and claim that opportunities like the Invictus Games allow them to heal and feel a sense of their former selves. As the co-founder of the games, Prince Harry’s testimonies can seem like fluff at times, but his sincerity pierces through and lends the docuseries an authentic feel. All is well on the material front, but Heart of Invictus wobbles in the technical details. The editing isn’t as smooth as it can be, the footage can feel generic, and the filmmakers can’t seem to establish an identifiable style.
Follow six people competing in the 2022 Invictus Games, a global event founded by Prince Harry that helps wounded service members heal through sports.
Heart of Invictus is a five-part docuseries that follows athletes competing in the Invictus Games, an international competition for wounded soldiers founded by Prince Harry.
For most viewers, Paievska is the clear standout. Unlike the other interviewees, Paievska is still serving her country and is in fact captured by Russian forces midway through shooting. You’ll have to watch for yourself to see how her story develops, but needless to say, it’s an admirable show of strength and resilience.
It’s perfectly fine, but it has that Netflix brand of style that diminishes its impact.
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
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