Polo, the latest sports documentary, offers viewers a glimpse into the exclusive world of polo. Released on Netflix on 10 December, with minimal publicity or fanfare, the film falls short of the platform’s reputation for creating impactful and compelling sports docuseries. While Polo had the potential to bring this niche sport into the global spotlight, it struggled to captivate a wider audience due to its limited appeal, sluggish storytelling, and inability to engage viewers beyond the elite circles familiar with the game.
Notably, the documentary was produced by Prince Harry and Meghan, who have distanced themselves from promoting it—a move that speaks volumes about the show’s reception and the underwhelming impact.
The series opens with luscious green fields with polo players galloping across the field and giving a lukewarm introduction to the sport. The setting is the 2024 US Open, one of the world’s most decorated and prestigious polo tournaments. Nine teams compete for the coveted title, and the stars of some of the teams narrate their experience in the days leading up to the finals. Timmy Dutta, the rising star of the Dutta Corp Polo Team and the owner’s son, is the first narrator to share his struggles, hopes and dreams for the team while balancing his bittersweet relationship with his father.
Several matches are well projected, and the pacing and cinematography are good while capturing the emotions of the players and their families. Making way for some cliches, Timmy struggles with his father’s criticism and how he overcomes it in a match as his team emerges victorious. Such moments can be conceptually appealing to the audience but somehow do not reach the heart. Rather than serving as an all-access pass to the sport, we are left with young and experienced players sharing very briefly about their time in the sport. The raw passion and fervour are missing, and it almost feels like a reality TV drama that has less to do with the sport and more about their lives, privileged lifestyles and interpersonal relations.
The Cambiaso father-son rivalry serves as a key highlight of the show, adding a compelling dimension to the narrative. Some aspects of the sport, such as the handicap system, team formation, and competition rules, are well-explained and provide valuable insight. However, a significant shortcoming is the lack of emphasis on the horses—arguably the heart of polo. Their care, selection, power, and charisma are barely touched upon, reducing their role to a mere footnote rather than a central element of the story.
The stakes of winning the championship and its impact on the players’ careers are also inadequately explored, leaving viewers disconnected from the high-pressure dynamics of the sport. What the narrative ultimately lacks is a sense of heart and soul. Instead, it flits superficially between players’ lives, offering a gimmicky portrayal that feels contrived rather than authentic.
This could have been an excellent opportunity for polo enthusiasts to see their favourite stars on screen while inviting new audiences to appreciate the sport as it finally lifts its shrouded veil. What the show truly needed was a human touch—moments where players confront challenges and triumph through perseverance and determination. Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait for a series that genuinely captures the spirit, essence, and impact of polo while honouring its rich history and legacy.
