Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘Madu’

3/29/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Anthony Madu gets ready to perform in the Elmhurst Ballet School of Birmingham Royal Ballet's summer dance show. (Disney)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary feature, ‘Madu’.

There is an interesting perception surrounding the pursuit of our dreams in this day and age. In that, so many now firmly believe that we don’t have to chase them. We simply need to be in the right place at the right time and our passions and dreams will come to fruition because of the wonder of the internet and social media. For time and time again, we’ve seen people go viral and from that burst of fame they’re happy and living the life they’ve always wanted to lead, overnight, and well… unfortunately this modern-day perception of how we achieve our dreams is woefully wrong.

Because while we are indeed seeing people plop into them in new and unique ways, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re instantly happy or instantly fixtures in their newfound fame. They still have to work to maintain what they’ve plunged into, and they have to learn to adjust to a world that days before was nothing more than a thought. Which means that the transition from dream to reality isn’t as smooth as we think and it just so happens… that a powerful new documentary on Disney+, explores what the process really looks like to maintain what we’ve always wanted, when we are thrust into it in, Madu.

Which is a documentary that chronicles what happened after 12-year-old internet sensation Anthony Madu wowed the world with his ballet dancing skills that one fateful day, and what came forward… is what so many expect. In that, Anthony caught the eye of talent scouts at the Elmhurst Ballet School of Birmingham and in doing so, was accepted into the school because of his raw talent. Which brings forth an opening to this story that in many ways… does not feel as though there will be hard work for Anthony down the line. Because he made it, the internet saved him and graced him with the gift of dance he’s always wanted. But once the joyous celebrations end, and reality sets in… is when this documentary becomes a powerful feature.

Anthony Madu and his mother sit together outside their home, sharing a moment as the time of his departure for his trip to the U.K. soon approaches. (Disney)

Because it showcases in great detail, the incredible struggles that Anthony runs into when he arrives in the United Kingdom to live his dream and become a dancer. The kind that reflects the central theme in a blunt and direct manner we rarely experience from documentaries. But this is no average documentary. For it truly wants the viewer to understand every single aspect of the work that goes into having everything we’ve ever wanted in life, even when it is gifted to us, and even when we are away from it in the everyday world. Since we also are treated to moments when Anthony must balance his personal life with his dream life, and that leads to so many incredible moments that speak to how hard it is capture the dreams we crave when others don’t fully understand our vision and our desire.

Giving rise to a raw and visceral documentary. One that also is presented to us in an unconventional manner. For there is no narration here, no direction or understanding from a storyteller. There’s just the moment. Wherein we see real emotion, real concern and of course… a real fire from within. Because while this is indeed a sobering documentary designed to shatter the tropes, we’ve created… this is also a very inspirational documentary. One that sees Anthony buckle down and put in the work to have everything he’s ever wanted and the end result of seeing that play out, is nothing short of breathtaking.

Simply because… Anthony’s journey, while difficult, does encourage all of us… to chase what we want. To try and go viral if that will help, but to go for it, period. Because each of us have a dream, each of us have a niche where we feel we belong, and if we don’t chase it… we will regret it. So, it is best to do as Anthony does, and sacrifice and dedicate and give what we want our all, because who knows… we might just get what we want and that… makes this a supremely engaging and worthwhile watch. One that draws you in with its honesty and leaves you feeling as though you can conquer the world. For if this 12-year-old can learn the lessons needed to fight for one’s dream, what’s holding us back from doing the same?

Watch ‘Madu’

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