- Network: Netflix
- Series Premiere Date: Aug 30, 2023
Critic Reviews
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The power of sport to unite people, to reopen a world, to provide community, support, stimulation, distraction, a focus on a higher purpose is everywhere on show. But the films resist a relentlessly triumphalist narrative and the temptation to present Invictus – or sport generally – as a universal panacea. .... By the end we have alighted on the proper subject; war and the pity of war.
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It features humanity at its best and most resilient. Come to think of it, it’s probably Harry at his best.
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Like the athletes, for whom just competing is a victory in itself, Netflix no doubt saw dividends simply being in business with Harry and Meghan, and lavishing five hours on this material reflects that starry-eyed outlook. Yet even with that disclaimer, there are moments in “Heart of Invictus” where one has to be pretty heartless not to get a bit choked up, and it’s hard to question that its heart is in the right place.
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There’s a sincerity of spirit here, but “Heart of Invictus” is conventional to a fault. We spend a few minutes with each person before moving on to the next, a mix of talking head interviews and footage at home, or at the gym training. This is a tried-and-true approach that allows the series to weave several stories into each episode and build momentum as it goes. But the filmmaking behind “Heart of Invictus” doesn’t feel particularly specific.