Netflix’s Boldest Music Documentary Yet: The Rise and Struggles of Anitta
Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta – A Story of Fame, Identity, and Self-Discovery
Anitta Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Brazilian superstar Anitta is known for her electrifying performances, chart-topping hits, and global influence. But behind the bright lights and massive success, there’s Larissa de Macedo Machado, the woman behind the stage name.
In Netflix’s new documentary, Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta, the singer opens up like never before. She shares the emotional journey of separating Anitta, the performer, from Larissa, the real person—and the struggles that come with maintaining that balance.
“It was truly a whirlwind of emotions — not all of them good,” Anitta told Deadline. “I used to think that the only way to live my dream was by sacrificing my true self.”
Now, for the first time, fans get an intimate look at her life beyond fame, revealing the price of success and the inner battles she faced while chasing her dreams.
The Dual Life of a Superstar
Who Is Larissa, and Who Is Anitta?
The documentary highlights the striking contrast between Larissa, the woman, and Anitta, the global phenomenon.
In the film, a voiceover states:
“Anitta is the superhero — Larissa is the human being.”
Anitta herself describes the difference:
“They are distinct personalities. One is my true self, and the other is a persona I created to overcome fears, traumas, and fight for what I wanted.”
While Anitta is fierce, confident, and unstoppable, Larissa struggles with the sacrifices made to build her career. The film explores the challenges of maintaining personal identity while living in the spotlight.
What Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta Reveals
1. The Emotional Toll of Fame
The film captures key moments from Anitta’s life, from Rio’s Carnival to Coachella, showcasing the highs of her career. But it also exposes the pressures, anxieties, and loneliness that come with global stardom.
She admits that living as Anitta meant suppressing Larissa’s desires, leading to a life that often felt overwhelming and out of control.
2. A Journey of Self-Discovery
After years of chasing success, Anitta realized that fame had come at a price. The documentary follows her personal transformation as she learns to reconnect with her true self.
“Finding maturity and reconnecting with myself was a beautiful and important journey,” she says. “Learning to respect and understand oneself is a valuable lesson.”
3. Behind-the-Scenes of a Superstar’s Life
Unlike the glamorous social media posts and polished public appearances, Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta goes behind the scenes, showing real, unfiltered moments of her life.
Director João Wainer shared that Anitta gave his team complete creative freedom, allowing them to tell the story from the perspective of those closest to her. This includes insights from family, childhood friends, and even an old crush.
“The only thing she requested was that this film not be made to evoke pity but rather to inspire,” Wainer said.
A Powerful Message About Mental Health and Balance
The Cost of Success
As fans, we often see only the glamorous side of celebrity life—the awards, performances, and luxury. But Anitta’s documentary sheds light on the hidden struggles behind it.
Ginga Pictures’ Felipe Britto, an executive producer of the documentary, emphasizes its deeper message:
“Even in cases like hers, where everything appears perfect on the surface, there is often a part silently asking for help.”
The Importance of Balance
One of the documentary’s key takeaways is the importance of balance—between personal life and career, between ambition and well-being.
Anitta’s story serves as a reminder that success shouldn’t come at the cost of losing oneself. It’s a lesson not just for celebrities, but for anyone struggling to balance dreams, personal identity, and mental health.
Why You Should Watch Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta
Still unsure if this documentary is worth watching? Here’s why it’s a must-see:
. A Rare Look at Anitta’s Real Life – Fans get to see a side of her that’s never been shown before.
. Emotional and Inspiring – It’s not just about music and fame; it’s about self-discovery, mental health, and personal growth.
. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Moments – From Rio’s Carnival to Coachella, witness the real moments behind her performances.
. A Universal Message – Whether you’re a fan of Anitta or not, the documentary speaks to anyone who has struggled with identity, pressure, and self-worth.
. Visually Stunning and Deeply Personal – Directed with artistic freedom, the film is as visually captivating as it is emotionally powerful.
If you love music documentaries, personal stories, and powerful messages about self-acceptance, this film should be on your watchlist.
A Must-Watch Netflix Documentary
Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta isn’t just a documentary about a famous singer. It’s a raw, emotional, and deeply personal story about fame, sacrifice, and rediscovering oneself.
Anitta’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring—a powerful reminder that behind every superstar is a real person with real struggles.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this documentary will change the way you see Anitta forever.
Watch Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta on Netflix, premiering March 6.
