Critics praise ‘Beckham’ docuseries. What is the David Beckham documentary about?

Soccer legend David Beckham is laying it bare in his new Netflix docuseries — he gets candid about the goal that defined his career, his decadeslong relationship with Posh Spice and even reflects on that red card.

Critics are lauding the series for painting a “gripping portrait of the birth of a celebrity brand,” per the Independent.

Beckham retired from his impressive sports career 10 years ago. “Beckham” celebrates his humble beginnings, relationships and the highs and lows of stardom. Beckham called the series “a roller coaster of emotions.”

“This is the 10-year anniversary of when I retired,” Beckham told Netflix. “It’s not just about my football career, but it’s about my family, it’s about being married to a Spice Girl, and my journey, really. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, but it’s been special making it.”

What is the ‘Beckham’ documentary about?

The personal and professional life of world-famous soccer player David Beckham is explored over the course of four 70-minute long episodes — from his humble beginnings, a goal that changed everything and his 24-year marriage to pop sensation Victoria Beckham.

“Beckham” is directed by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens, who says he felt like Beckham’s “therapist” during the two-year interviewing and filming process. “Nothing was really off limits,” Stevens claimed, per Variety. “I felt like I could have gone anywhere.”

“But as I started to explore, and get deeper into David and David’s journey, his life, there’s just so much more. And then I realized I’m making a love story. Not just about David and Victoria, but about David and his love for football,” said Stevens, per Variety.

The Netflix series kicks off with a dive into Beckham’s roots, documenting his working-class beginnings in East London and his burgeoning passion for soccer, per Netflix. As Beckham achieves worldwide stardom, he relives his infamous 1998 World Cup red card and the public harassment and depression that followed.

But the series does not shy away from Beckham’s personal life. His early romance with Victoria Beckham, the birth of their first child and the chaos that followed the couple after Beckham’s infidelity are also explored at length.

“Beckham” offers viewers never-before-seen footage of the soccer icon and rare glimpses of intimate moments in the Beckham family home.

Critics praise ‘Beckham’ docuseries

“Beckham” currently boasts a 100% audience and critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are praising the limited series for its “compelling portrait of a pop culture icon,” per the Sydney Morning Herald.

• “There’s nostalgia galore, a cast of football greats and a gripping portrait of the birth of a celebrity brand,” wrote the Independent. “Posh and Becks are happy to talk about anything from fights with Fergie, crude chants, THAT red card, sarongs and matching purple wedding outfits.”

• The Telegraph called the new series, “A superb portrayal of the footballer.”

• “This absolutely star-packed docuseries is a fun, gossipy watch full of blunt, entertaining interviews. Every episode just flies by,” praises The Guardian.

• Vogue tells fans to, “Think of the new Netflix film about David Beckham as a UK-centric, documentary version of ‘Friday Night Lights’: Come for the football, stay for the soap-opera-level drama — or vice versa, as per your preference.”

• “The Beckhams have always tightly controlled their image. Here they have ensured they come across as likeable and down-to-earth,” writes The Times. “It is a nostalgia trip and a guide to 21st-century fame as much as a peek into the Beckhams’ boudoir.”

• According to Rolling Stone, the docuseries is “essentially his ‘The Last Dance’ — an athlete-sanctioned docuseries that delves only into the things the celebrity subject wishes to — with a lot less tea.”

• “The documentary illustrates how celebrities, elevated to godlike status, can easily be brought down by the same public that adores them,” according to Firstpost. “Beckham’s story masterfully illustrates the art of standing up and fighting back without making a noise.”

Where to watch ‘Beckham’

All four episodes of the “Beckham” docuseries are available to stream on Netflix. The show debuted on Oct. 4.

What is ‘Beckham’ rated and why?

“Beckham” is rated TV-MA for language.