Behind every dazzling superstar lies an untold story, and Netflix’s new documentary, “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta,” sets out to reveal exactly that. Premiering on March 6, 2025, this intimate film invites audiences behind the carefully constructed persona of Anitta to meet Larissa de Macedo Machado, the real woman whose sacrifices and vulnerabilities have powered the rise of Latin America’s most influential pop phenomenon.
Directed by acclaimed filmmakers João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, and scripted by noted Brazilian author Maria Ribeiro, the documentary delivers a candid exploration of identity and fame. Anitta—celebrated globally for groundbreaking hits like “Envolver,” which topped Spotify’s Global Chart and shattered records as the first solo Latin artist song to do so—is seen here not only as the unstoppable performer lighting up international stages like Coachella, but as a human being navigating profound emotional and psychological battles behind closed doors.
What sets this documentary apart is its unfiltered look at the costs of maintaining an iconic public persona. Through deeply personal interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers witness the stark contrast between Anitta’s confident stage presence and Larissa’s private moments of doubt, exhaustion, and reflection. As Anitta herself poignantly states, the film reveals the rare and fleeting connections she makes with her true self amid a life dominated by her powerful public image.
Moreover, the film contextualizes Anitta’s journey within broader conversations about mental health, identity, and the relentless pressures faced by women in the global entertainment industry. It promises a raw and empathetic portrayal, going beyond the glamour to explore how Larissa balances her intense public career with her private pursuit of authenticity and joy.
For fans and newcomers alike, “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” provides an essential, compelling insight into the life of a woman who has become more than a musical icon—she has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience. This documentary isn’t just about music or stardom; it’s about discovering one’s true self amidst the dazzling chaos of global fame.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix’s documentary premiering March 6, 2025 reveals the private person behind Anitta’s public persona.
- The film explores Larissa de Macedo Machado’s personal struggles, vulnerability, and search for authentic joy.
- Directed by João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo, the documentary offers unprecedented access to the dual identity of the Latin American superstar.
Unveiling Larissa de Macedo Machado
Behind the global superstar Anitta exists Larissa de Macedo Machado, a woman with deep Brazilian roots and a fascinating journey to international fame. Her dual identity reveals the contrast between public persona and private individual.
Brazilian Roots and Rise to Stardom
Larissa de Macedo Machado was born in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her humble beginnings shaped her determined character and vision for success in the music industry.
In 2012, she made her breakthrough with the release of “Meiga e Abusada,” marking the official start of her professional career. This pivotal moment set the foundation for her eventual global recognition.
The track caught attention for its fresh sound and Larissa’s distinctive performance style. She quickly built momentum in the Brazilian music scene, refining her artistic vision with each new release.
“Envolver” became her international breakthrough hit, propelling her to worldwide recognition and establishing her as Brazil’s most successful global music export. Her rise represents an important milestone for Brazilian pop culture on the world stage.
Larissa vs. Anitta: Dual Identity
The Netflix documentary “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” explores the fascinating duality between the public figure and the private person. While Anitta commands global stages, Larissa remains somewhat unknown to the public.
This dual identity creates interesting tensions. Anitta projects power, confidence, and sensuality as a globally successful singer. Meanwhile, Larissa embodies vulnerability, intimacy, and the human experience behind the glamour.
The film aims to reveal aspects of Larissa that fans rarely witness. It captures moments of personal reflection, showing the woman behind the carefully crafted image.
As both a singer, composer, actress, and entrepreneur, Larissa/Anitta navigates multiple professional identities while maintaining her authentic self. The documentary promises to bridge the gap between these personas, offering fans a more complete picture of this Brazilian pop phenomenon.
Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta
Netflix’s upcoming documentary offers viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the private world of global superstar Anitta by revealing her birth identity as Larissa de Macedo Machado. The film explores the duality between her public persona and private self.
Concept and Development
“Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” aims to show the contrast between Anitta’s powerful public image and Larissa’s vulnerability. The documentary has been designed to reveal aspects of the Brazilian singer that fans haven’t seen before.
The project was announced as part of Netflix’s documentary lineup and is scheduled for release on March 6, 2025. This film follows Anitta’s previous collaborations with Netflix, but focuses more deeply on her personal journey.
The concept centers on exploring the dichotomy between her stage persona and her authentic self. Viewers will witness Larissa’s personal struggles and her continuous search for joy behind the scenes of her meteoric rise to international fame.
Themes of Intimacy and Self-Discovery
The documentary delves into intimate aspects of Anitta’s life that she has previously kept private. It explores her dual identity as both a global superstar and as Larissa, the person behind the fame.
Self-discovery forms a central theme as the film chronicles her personal struggles and journey. The documentary promises to showcase vulnerable moments that contrast with her confident public image.
The title itself highlights this duality – “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” – emphasizing that viewers will meet the person behind the performer. This exploration of identity resonates with universal themes of authenticity in the face of public scrutiny.
Her search for joy amid fame and success adds another layer to the narrative of self-discovery. The film aims to humanize the superstar by revealing the complexities of maintaining personal happiness while meeting the demands of global celebrity.
The Role of Directors João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo
João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo bring their distinctive directorial vision to this intimate documentary. Their collaborative approach helps capture both the glamorous and vulnerable sides of the Brazilian star.
The directors worked with writer Maria Ribeiro to craft a narrative that balances celebrity with humanity. Their direction focuses on capturing authentic moments rather than presenting a polished celebrity image.
Wainer and Cantelmo’s documentary experience proves valuable in navigating the complex territory between public persona and private reality. Their expertise helps create a film that feels both intimate and professionally crafted.
The directors’ approach emphasizes creating space for Larissa to share her story in her own words. This directorial choice honors the documentary’s central premise – revealing the person behind the performer in an authentic way.
Behind the Music and Artistry
The artistic journey of Anitta represents a fusion of traditional Brazilian sounds with modern global influences. Her music reflects both her personal evolution and her role in reshaping how Brazilian music is perceived worldwide.
Crafting the Sound of Anitta
Larissa de Macedo Machado’s transformation into Anitta involved careful musical strategy and authentic expression. She began her career in 2012 with “Meiga e Abusada,” which established her signature style blending Brazilian funk with contemporary pop elements.
Her sound incorporates diverse influences from her upbringing in Rio de Janeiro’s suburbs. This cultural richness has allowed her to create music that resonates both locally and internationally.
What separates Anitta from other artists is her ability to maintain Brazilian roots while adapting to global music trends. She performs in multiple languages including Portuguese, Spanish, and English, expanding her reach beyond Latin America.
Her production collaborations with international artists have helped refine her sound while preserving her unique voice and perspective.
Evolution of Brazilian Music and Funk Rave
Anitta has played a pivotal role in elevating Brazilian funk to international prominence. Her contributions helped transform funk from a regional genre to a globally recognized sound.
The milestone achievement came when she became the first Brazilian artist to lead a production studio that won an MTV Video Music Award for “Funk Rave.” This recognition validated both her artistic vision and Brazilian music on the world stage.
Her interpretation of funk incorporates traditional elements while experimenting with contemporary production techniques. This approach has made the genre more accessible to international audiences without sacrificing its cultural identity.
Anitta’s work bridges generations of Brazilian music, connecting the country’s rich musical heritage with modern global pop sensibilities. Her success has opened doors for other Brazilian artists to gain international recognition.
Through her music, she addresses themes relevant to Brazilian society while creating beats that transcend cultural barriers.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Behind the global superstar Anitta stands Larissa de Macedo Machado, a woman who has faced significant personal challenges while building her international career. The documentary explores her vulnerability and inner battles that rarely make it to public view.
The Emotional Journey of Larissa
The Netflix documentary “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” offers viewers unprecedented access to the singer’s emotional world. It reveals how Larissa has dealt with the immense pressure of fame while maintaining her mental health. Many scenes capture private moments of doubt, tears, and exhaustion that contrast sharply with her confident public persona.
Larissa has been open about her struggles with anxiety and burnout. The film shows her coping mechanisms and the support system she relies on during difficult periods.
Her family plays a crucial role in her emotional wellbeing, providing grounding when the demands of her career become overwhelming. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing these raw moments of vulnerability.
Navigating Fame and Personal Life
Finding balance between Anitta the star and Larissa the person has been one of her greatest challenges. The film shows how she creates boundaries to protect her private life amid constant public scrutiny.
Her relationships have often been complicated by her fame. The documentary explores how Larissa maintains meaningful connections despite her hectic schedule and public persona.
Professional achievements sometimes came at personal costs. Viewers see the sacrifices made during her rise to international stardom, including missed family events and limited personal time.
The film reveals her struggle to remain authentic while meeting industry expectations. Larissa’s determination to stay true to her roots while conquering global markets demonstrates her remarkable strength of character.
Achievements and International Fame
Anitta’s rise to international stardom represents one of Brazil’s most significant musical exports. Her journey from local Brazilian performer to global superstar has been marked by chart-topping hits, groundbreaking performances, and prestigious awards.
From Global Charts to International Awards Shows
Anitta’s international breakthrough came when she began collaborating with major global artists and releasing multilingual tracks. Her strategic approach to music included singing in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
In 2022, she made history as the first Brazilian artist to win an MTV Video Music Award, taking home the trophy for Best Latin Video. This achievement solidified her position as a leading Latin music ambassador on the global stage.
Her hit song “Girl From Rio” sampled the iconic “Garota de Ipanema” (The Girl from Ipanema), cleverly introducing Brazilian bossa nova to new generations while establishing her unique musical identity that blends traditional Brazilian sounds with contemporary pop and reggaeton.
Breaking Records with ‘Envolver’ and Coachella
“Envolver” became Anitta’s definitive international breakthrough hit, reaching #1 on Spotify’s Global Chart in 2022. This achievement made her the first Brazilian artist and the first Latin female solo artist to reach this position.
The song’s viral dance challenge contributed significantly to its success, demonstrating Anitta’s savvy understanding of social media’s power in music promotion. The track’s reggaeton beat and Spanish lyrics showcased her versatility across languages and genres.
Her historic Coachella performance in 2022 represented another milestone, as she became the first Brazilian solo artist to perform on the festival’s main stage. During her set, she proudly highlighted Brazilian culture through music, choreography, and visuals, bringing baile funk to one of music’s most influential platforms.
International Collaborations and Recognition
Anitta’s collaborative approach has been key to her global expansion. She has worked with international stars including Madonna, J Balvin, Maluma, and Cardi B, strategically positioning herself within the global music industry.
Her 2023 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist marked another historic moment, as she became the first Brazilian artist nominated in this category. This recognition from the American Recording Academy validated her crossover success in the North American market.
Beyond music, Anitta has leveraged her international platform for advocacy, particularly around environmental issues in Brazil. The Netflix documentary “Larissa” explores how her global fame allows her to amplify important causes while navigating the challenges of maintaining her authentic self as Larissa amid the demands of being Anitta the global superstar.
The Influence of Brazilian Entrepreneurs
Brazilian entrepreneurs have played a vital role in bringing Anitta’s story to global audiences. Their vision and investment in showcasing Brazilian talent has helped transform Larissa de Macedo Machado into an international sensation.
Impact on Global Brands and Marketing
Ginga Pictures, founded by Brazilian entrepreneurs, serves as the production studio behind “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta.” This American production company has positioned itself as a global entertainment pioneer, bridging Brazilian talent with international audiences.
Executive producers Felipe Britto and Melanie Chapaval Lebensztajn represent the Brazilian entrepreneurial spirit driving the project. Their expertise helps navigate the complex world of global entertainment while maintaining authentic Brazilian representation.
Brazilian business leaders recognize the marketing potential of Anitta’s dual identity. The documentary explores how Larissa balances her authentic self with her global brand persona.
The entrepreneurs behind this project understand that sharing Brazilian culture through mainstream platforms like Netflix creates significant opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. This strategy helps position Brazil as a cultural powerhouse in the global entertainment landscape.
The Landscape of Brazilian Documentary Filmmaking
Brazilian documentary filmmaking has experienced significant growth in recent years, with production companies creating compelling content that showcases the country’s diverse stories and cultural icons. The industry has embraced both traditional long-form documentaries and innovative short-form content.
Ginga Pictures and New Wave Content
Ginga Pictures has emerged as a notable force in Brazilian documentary production, collaborating with streaming platforms like Netflix to create Original Content with global appeal. Their approach blends authentic storytelling with high production values, as evidenced in projects like “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta.”
Brazilian documentaries increasingly balance entertainment with cultural depth, offering audiences intimate portraits of public figures. This trend represents a shift from purely educational content to more personal storytelling formats.
The industry has also embraced short-form documentary content, allowing filmmakers to explore topics with tighter focus and broader accessibility. These shorter formats have proven particularly successful on streaming platforms.
International collaborations have strengthened Brazilian documentary filmmaking, bringing global production standards while maintaining authentic Brazilian perspectives. This has helped local stories reach worldwide audiences.
Distribution and Reception
The documentary “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” has generated significant buzz as it prepares for its worldwide release. The film offers an intimate look at the Brazilian superstar’s personal life and struggles behind her public persona.
Netflix as a Platform for Diverse Stories
Netflix has strategically positioned itself as a home for diverse international content, making it an ideal platform for Anitta’s documentary. The streaming giant continues to invest in Latin American productions, recognizing the global appeal of stories from the region.
The documentary is set to premiere on March 6, 2025, according to recent announcements. This release builds on Netflix’s growing catalog of music documentaries featuring international artists.
Netflix’s global reach will allow Anitta’s story to connect with her existing fanbase while potentially introducing her to new audiences. The platform’s recommendation algorithms will likely promote the documentary to viewers interested in music, Latin culture, and biographical content.
Anticipation and Response to the Release Date
The announcement of “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” has sparked enthusiasm among fans worldwide. Social media reactions show particular excitement about seeing the vulnerable side of the star beyond her powerful public image.
Music critics and industry insiders have noted the timing of this documentary coincides with Anitta’s growing international presence. The film may further cement her status as Brazil’s most globally recognized contemporary music artist.
Early promotional materials, including the recently released trailer, have been well-received. Viewers have expressed interest in learning about Larissa de Macedo Machado as a person rather than just Anitta the performer.
The documentary’s focus on personal struggles and identity is expected to resonate with audiences beyond her dedicated fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming documentary “Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” offers a deeper look into the personal life of Brazilian pop star Anitta, revealing her vulnerability and private world beyond her public persona. Viewers will discover who Larissa de Macedo Machado truly is when the cameras stop rolling.
What is the documentary ‘Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta’ about?
“Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta” is a feature documentary that explores the contrast between Anitta’s powerful public image and her private identity as Larissa de Macedo Machado. The film is directed by João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo and written by Maria Ribeiro.
The documentary will premiere on Netflix on March 6, 2025. It aims to show viewers the intimate and vulnerable aspects of the globally successful singer’s life that have been kept away from the public eye.
What aspects of Larissa de Macedo Machado’s life are explored in the documentary?
The documentary delves into Larissa’s journey from growing up in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro to becoming an international music star. It examines her roots and the person behind the Anitta persona.
Viewers will see her personal struggles and triumphs that shaped her into the artist she is today. The film offers unprecedented access to her private world, showing moments of vulnerability rarely seen by her fans.
The contrast between her public and private personas forms a central theme of the documentary, highlighting how she balances her global fame with her personal identity.
Are any other notable figures featured in the film alongside Anitta?
While specific information about additional cast members hasn’t been fully revealed, the documentary is expected to include interviews with people close to Anitta. This may include family members, friends, and music industry professionals who have witnessed her journey.
Collaborators who have worked with her throughout her career might provide insights into her work ethic and artistic vision. The documentary will likely feature individuals who have been part of both her personal life as Larissa and her professional life as Anitta.
What challenges did Anitta face in her career, as presented in the documentary?
The documentary is expected to address the challenges Anitta faced breaking into the global music scene from Brazil. It will likely explore her path from releasing “Meiga e Abusada” in 2012 to her international breakthrough with “Envolver.”
The film may examine obstacles she encountered as a Latin American artist attempting to cross over into international markets. Viewers might learn about the personal sacrifices she made and the pressure of maintaining her success while staying true to herself.
Cultural barriers and industry resistance are likely topics as the documentary shows how she overcame these hurdles to become one of Brazil’s most recognized global stars.
How does ‘Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta’ differ from previous works about the artist?
This documentary distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on the dichotomy between Anitta the performer and Larissa the person. Unlike previous media coverage that centered primarily on her musical achievements, this film promises to reveal aspects of her life she’s deliberately kept private.
The title itself emphasizes this focus on “the other side” – suggesting content that goes beyond what fans and the public already know. The documentary’s approach appears more intimate and personal than previous portrayals.
Directors João Wainer and Pedro Cantelmo bring a fresh perspective to Anitta’s story, potentially offering insights that haven’t been shared in prior interviews or media appearances.
What insights does the documentary offer into the Brazilian music industry?
Through Anitta’s journey, viewers will likely gain understanding of how the Brazilian music industry operates and its relationship with global markets. Her rise from local fame to international recognition provides context for how Brazilian artists navigate crossover success.
The documentary may explore how she helped bring Brazilian music to worldwide audiences, particularly the funk carioca genre she embraced early in her career. It could highlight the challenges and opportunities specific to artists emerging from Brazil’s music scene.
The film might also examine how Anitta’s career has influenced opportunities for other Brazilian artists and potentially changed industry dynamics within her home country and beyond.
