Netflix’s Polo Documentary Explores the World of Elite Polo Players

A Royal Swing and a Miss?

Netflix’s Polo, a five-part docuseries released on December 10, 2024, offers a glimpse into the rarefied world of professional polo. Produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions, in collaboration with Boardwalk Pictures, the series follows several elite players, including Adolfo Cambiaso, his son Poroto, Louis Devaleix, Timmy Dutta, and Keko Magrini, culminating in their participation in the 2024 US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. With polo superstar Nacho Figueras serving as both a featured player and consulting producer, the documentary promised an authentic look behind the scenes of this often-misunderstood sport. However, despite this impressive lineup and the allure of exclusive access, Polo falls short of delivering a truly compelling narrative, leaving viewers—and critics—largely unimpressed.

Inside the World of Polo: What Works and What Doesn’t

The docuseries undoubtedly succeeds in providing a visually stunning portrayal of polo. The cinematography captures the speed, precision, and athleticism of both the horses and their riders. The series also offers glimpses into the luxurious lifestyle associated with the sport, from the manicured fields to the high-fashion attire. However, this focus on the glamorous facade ultimately becomes one of the documentary’s weaknesses. While we see the players in action and hear about the pressures of competition, Polo fails to delve deep enough into their personal stories, motivations, and struggles. The result is a series of somewhat superficial portraits that leave the audience feeling distanced from the subjects.

A Missed Opportunity to Connect

One of the most significant criticisms leveled against Polo is its failure to bridge the gap between the elite world of polo and the average viewer. The documentary assumes a level of familiarity with the sport, its rules, and its culture, leaving those unfamiliar with the nuances of chukkers and patrons feeling lost and disengaged. While the series touches upon the financial aspects of the game and the role of wealthy patrons, it misses an opportunity to explore the broader history and cultural significance of polo, further alienating a wider audience.

Critical Reception and Final Verdict

The critical response to Polo has been overwhelmingly negative. Reviewers have described the series as “boring,” “tedious,” and “a snooze-fest.” The Metacritic score currently sits at a disappointing 40, with major publications like The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Times awarding it a meager two out of five stars. Decider, a popular entertainment website, issued a firm “Skip It” recommendation, citing the documentary’s lack of compelling narrative and its focus on a sport that most viewers neither understand nor connect with.

While Polo offers visually appealing footage and a glimpse into a world rarely seen, it ultimately fails to deliver a captivating story. The lack of depth, the missed opportunity to connect with a broader audience, and the overwhelmingly negative critical reception suggest that this documentary is probably best left off your watchlist. Unless you’re a die-hard polo enthusiast, there are likely more engaging and insightful documentaries available to stream.

Polo at a Glance

The Future of Polo: A Lingering Question

Despite its shortcomings, Polo does raise some interesting questions about the future of the sport. Will the younger generation of players, like Poroto Cambiaso, succeed in broadening its appeal? Can polo shed its image of exclusivity and become more accessible to a wider audience? While the documentary doesn’t offer definitive answers, it does suggest that the sport is at a crossroads, and its future remains uncertain. This subtle exploration of polo’s evolution, though not fully developed, might be the most intriguing aspect of the series and provides a glimmer of what could have been a more compelling narrative.