When it comes to cheerleading, the teen movies and reality shows have often underplayed the grit of the sport. But Netflix’s Cheer and Dare Me—two new, scripted series that follow cheerleaders of varying ages—are welcome validations that show what these athletes are truly capable of.
Cheer, which comes from the same team behind Last Chance U, is a riveting docuseries that follows a junior college cheer team in its pursuit of perfection. The 68-day window of filming covers multiple injuries—concussions, which are regular occurrences; broken elbows; tossed-out backs—that underscore just how dangerous this sport is, but also how rewarding it can be for those who persevere.
But what sets this series apart from its cheer-doc brethren is the personal drama that takes place among these girls. Many are struggling with homelessness, addictions, and other family tragedies, but what binds them is their devotion to the squad led by Monica, a mom-ager who provides both hugs and butt kicks to her team members. The characterizations feel genuine and authentic. The back-story packages of Morgan, who lives in a trailer, and Jerry, who lost his mom to cancer, show that cheerleading is more than just flips and stunts: It’s about trusting your life—and that of others—into someone else’s hands.
In this world, that kind of bond is worth its weight in gold. And for anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to perform at that level, these two series will leave you in awe of what the human body is truly capable of.
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