Federer: Twelve Final Days – adoring film about the tennis legend
The Swiss maestro is explored further in this 'must-watch' documentary
![Roger Federer in Joe Sabia's documentary](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AmS5jXjRo8w5vbamwPzRUQ-415-80.jpg)
The British director Asif Kapadia has made "dazzling films about Ayrton Senna, Amy Winehouse and Diego Maradona", said Brian Viner in the Daily Mail. His latest, co-directed by Joe Sabia, follows "the great Roger Federer from the announcement of his retirement in 2022 to his valedictory tennis tournament at the O2 Arena less than a fortnight later".
Kapadia's previous subjects were "tormented or tragic or both", whereas the Swiss maestro is well-adjusted, with a family – "supportive parents, lovely wife, two sets of twins" – that seems "like a kiss from the gods". All of which makes him, alas, "an insipid choice for a behind-the-scenes documentary", which turns in this case into "an 88-minute rhapsody". It's enjoyable if you revere Federer, as I do, but it's still "too adoring by half".
It's true that, like its subject, "the film is not particularly revolutionary or groundbreaking in its approach", said Wendy Ide in The Observer. "But again, like its subject, it is a work of unmistakable quality and class. With warm contributions from many of the greats of the men's game – Borg, McEnroe, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic all appear – and glimpses of Federer's family life, this will be a must-watch for tennis fans."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Federer has always been a "controversy-free zone", and a "model of Swiss neutrality", said Raphael Abraham in the FT; so anyone hoping for indiscretions will be disappointed. Kapadia's film is also sorely lacking in tension. But it's quite stirring at points. "If you're a fan, pack a hanky or three. If you're not, pack one anyway for the scenes involving his children."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 highly educational cartoons about Louisiana classrooms
Cartoons Artists take on free lunch, the sixth commandment, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The SNP: a lacklustre manifesto?
Talking Point Voters 'getting weary' of familiar fare from Scottish National Party
By The Week UK Published
-
Labour vs. Tories: which party will raise taxes the most?
The Explainer What do the two main parties' manifestos say about their tax plans? And do their sums add up?
By The Week UK Published
-
Five books chosen by Nina Stibbe
Feature The author recommends works by David Sedaris, Alba de Céspedes and more
By The Week UK Published
-
Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials – an 'engaging' documentary
The Week Recommends The actor delves into the chilling history behind witch hunts
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
The Bikeriders: Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy star in high-octane drama
The Week Recommends Film inspired by 1968 book about notorious biker gang in Chicago
By The Week UK Published
-
My Father's Fable: 'gripping' family drama that 'keeps you guessing' to the end
The Week Recommends Faith Omole's debut play explores complex relationships with 'flair'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
I Am: Celine Dion – a 'raw, heartbreaking and deeply moving' documentary
The Week Recommends Prime Video's film chronicles the singer's 17-year battle with stiff person syndrome
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
The only TV show you need to watch this election year
The Week Recommends Amazon Prime's 'The Boys' relishes its ripped-from-the-headlines ultraviolence
By David Faris Published
-
The best lakeside getaways in Europe
The Week Recommends These tranquil lakes offer a quieter alternative to their coastal neighbours
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Where to safely vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season
The Week Recommends Head to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published