Anitta
Self
Overview
Brazilian pop star Anitta reveals her most intimate world yet in this documentary that explores her dual identity, personal struggles and search for joy.
Cast
Reviews
5 min read AI-generated editorial review
The Girl Behind the Glitter
I’ve seen this trick before. A pop star, weary of the spotlight, invites the cameras in for a “raw” documentary—only to deliver something that feels less like confession and more like another act in the endless performance of fame. Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta (2025) is no exception, though it’s not without its moments of genuine vulnerability. The film, directed by João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, promises an intimate look at the woman behind the global superstar Anitta, but it stumbles in its execution, caught between the desire to humanize and the instinct to mythologize.
The premise is compelling: Anitta, born Larissa de Macedo Machado, has spent over a decade crafting a persona that’s equal parts fierce and flawless. She’s the girl from Rio’s Honório Gurgel neighborhood who became a global phenomenon, the woman who turned “Envolver” into a cultural reset. But who is she when the makeup comes off? The documentary’s title suggests a duality—Anitta the icon, Larissa the woman—but the film struggles to reconcile the two. Instead, it oscillates between moments of startling intimacy and stretches that feel like a carefully curated highlight reel.
Take the opening sequence, for example. The camera lingers on Anitta’s childhood home, the walls adorned with family photos and faded posters of Brazilian pop idols. There’s a tenderness here, a sense of nostalgia that feels authentic. But then the film cuts to a montage of her Coachella performance, the glitter and pyrotechnics a stark contrast to the humble beginnings we’ve just witnessed. It’s a jarring transition, one that underscores the film’s central tension: how do you capture the “real” Anitta when her life has become a spectacle?
The answer, it seems, is to lean into the personal. The documentary’s most compelling moments come when it focuses on Anitta’s relationships—particularly her dynamic with Pedro Cantelmo, her co-director and former flame. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the film doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of their collaboration. In one scene, Cantelmo follows Anitta through a crowded Carnival street, the camera close enough to capture the sweat on her brow, the way her smile tightens when she’s overwhelmed. It’s a rare moment of unguarded emotion, and it’s the kind of scene that makes you lean in, hoping for more.
I’ve seen this trick before. A pop star, weary of the spotlight, invites the cameras in for a “raw” documentary—only to deliver something that feels less like confession and more like another act in the endless performance of fame. Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta (2025) is no exception, though it’s not without its moments of genuine vulnerability. The film, directed by João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, promises an intimate look at the woman behind the global superstar Anitta, but it stumbles in its execution, caught between the desire to humanize and the instinct to mythologize.
The premise is compelling: Anitta, born Larissa de Macedo Machado, has spent over a decade crafting a persona that’s equal parts fierce and flawless. She’s the girl from Rio’s Honório Gurgel neighborhood who became a global phenomenon, the woman who turned “Envolver” into a cultural reset. But who is she when the makeup comes off? The documentary’s title suggests a duality—Anitta the icon, Larissa the woman—but the film struggles to reconcile the two. Instead, it oscillates between moments of startling intimacy and stretches that feel like a carefully curated highlight reel.
Take the opening sequence, for example. The camera lingers on Anitta’s childhood home, the walls adorned with family photos and faded posters of Brazilian pop idols. There’s a tenderness here, a sense of nostalgia that feels authentic. But then the film cuts to a montage of her Coachella performance, the glitter and pyrotechnics a stark contrast to the humble beginnings we’ve just witnessed. It’s a jarring transition, one that underscores the film’s central tension: how do you capture the “real” Anitta when her life has become a spectacle?
The answer, it seems, is to lean into the personal. The documentary’s most compelling moments come when it focuses on Anitta’s relationships—particularly her dynamic with Pedro Cantelmo, her co-director and former flame. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the film doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of their collaboration. In one scene, Cantelmo follows Anitta through a crowded Carnival street, the camera close enough to capture the sweat on her brow, the way her smile tightens when she’s overwhelmed. It’s a rare moment of unguarded emotion, and it’s the kind of scene that makes you lean in, hoping for more.
Audience Opinions
AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 6.5/10 AI
"A revealing but uneven documentary that offers intimate glimpses into Anitta’s personal life while leaving some fans wanting deeper artistic insight."
The film’s raw, behind-the-scenes access to Anitta’s relationship with Pedro Cantelmo and her struggles with identity resonates with many viewers, particularly those drawn to personal storytelling. However, the focus on her personal life over her musical career or creative process frustrates others, who feel it lacks the depth of a traditional music documentary.
What viewers praise
- Intimate personal access Viewers appreciate the unfiltered look at Anitta’s life beyond her public persona, especially her relationship dynamics.
- Strong emotional moments The documentary’s candid scenes evoke genuine emotional responses, making it feel authentic and relatable.
- Visually engaging The film’s cinematography and editing are praised for creating a compelling, immersive experience.
Common complaints
- Lacks musical depth Many expected more focus on Anitta’s artistry and career, feeling the personal narrative overshadows her professional journey.
- Uneven pacing Some viewers find the documentary’s structure disjointed, with certain segments feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
- Limited scope The narrow focus on her personal life leaves gaps for those hoping to learn more about her cultural impact or creative process.
Recommended for
Anitta fans seeking personal stories Documentary lovers of intimate portraits Viewers interested in celebrity relationships
Full Plot (Spoilers)
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Buzz & Rumors
Public reports AI-researched entertainment notes
Netflix’s "Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta" Peels Back the Layers of Brazil’s Global Pop Star
Netflix’s latest documentary, Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta (2025), promises an unprecedented look at the woman behind the global pop sensation. Directed by João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, the film dives into the dual identity of Anitta—born Larissa de Macedo Machado—revealing the personal struggles and unfiltered reality of a star who has spent years crafting a larger-than-life persona 
.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Anitta, one of Brazil’s most successful musical exports, has built an empire on chart-topping hits, high-profile collaborations (including Snoop Dogg and Thalía), and a carefully curated public image 
. But Larissa aims to strip away the glamour, offering an "intimate" portrait of the artist through the eyes of those closest to her—including an "old flame" whose perspective frames the narrative [3]. The documentary, produced by Ginga Pictures and distributed by Netflix, premiered on March 6, 2025, marking the first time the streaming giant has dedicated a feature-length project to Anitta’s personal journey [1][2].
What sets Larissa apart from typical celebrity docs is its focus on the contrast between Anitta’s public persona and her private self. The film’s title itself hints at this duality: "Larissa" is the name known only to her inner circle, a reminder that even global superstars grapple with the weight of fame [2]. While details about the documentary’s specific revelations remain scarce, early buzz suggests it won’t shy away from the pressures of maintaining a flawless image in an industry that demands perfection 
.
The Directors’ Vision: A Collaborative Approach
João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, the duo behind Larissa, are no strangers to documentary filmmaking. Wainer, a veteran journalist and filmmaker, has a reputation for tackling bold, socially relevant projects, while Cantelmo—who also appears in the film—brings a more personal connection to the story [1][3]. Their collaboration with screenwriter Maria Ribeiro (known for her work on Brazilian dramas) suggests a narrative that balances raw emotion with cinematic polish [1][2].
One intriguing detail is the involvement of a third director, Jeff Berlin, whose name appears in some sources but not others [3][5]. Whether this indicates a last-minute creative shift or a misattribution remains unclear, but it adds a layer of mystery to the production. What is confirmed is that Anitta herself is deeply involved, both as a subject and a collaborator, ensuring the film stays true to her vision [4].
Why This Doc Matters
Anitta’s rise from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to international stardom is already the stuff of legend. With over 60 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a career that spans Latin pop, reggaeton, and even forays into English-language markets, she’s a force to be reckoned with [4]. But Larissa isn’t just another celebrity origin story—it’s a chance to humanize a figure who has spent years navigating the pitfalls of fame, from cultural appropriation debates to the relentless scrutiny of social media.
The documentary’s timing is also notable. Anitta has been vocal about her struggles with anxiety and the toll of constant public exposure, making Larissa a potential turning point in how she engages with her audience [4]. If the film delivers on its promise of intimacy, it could redefine her legacy—not just as a pop icon, but as a woman who refused to let fame erase her authenticity.
What’s Still Unknown
Despite the hype, some key details remain under wraps. The identity of the "old flame" guiding the narrative is a closely guarded secret, as is the extent of Anitta’s personal archives featured in the film [3]. Rumors suggest never-before-seen footage from her early career, but without confirmation, these claims should be taken with caution. Additionally, while the documentary is framed as a deep dive into her "true self," it’s unclear how much of Anitta’s private life will be off-limits—a tension that could make or break the film’s impact.
One thing is certain: Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta isn’t just a vanity project. It’s a gamble—one that could either cement Anitta’s place as a cultural icon or expose the vulnerabilities she’s worked so hard to protect.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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