Bukayo Saka’s time is now. In just its 42-minute runtime, this Disney+ documentary explores the developing friendship between Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka and Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. The inciting incident behind this documentary came as a simple WhatsApp message from Henry to Saka. After Saka missed the defining penalty, playing for England at the Euros Final 2020 against France, Henry reached out to him at his lowest moment. But through skill, determination, and resilience – Saka proves himself as he transitions from Arsenal’s rising star to main talent.
This documentary, directed by Robert Alexander connects two generations of Arsenal stars. From Henry as part of The Invincibles era to Saka as part of Arsenal’s current era – a squad dubbed as ‘The Unforgettables.’ In collaboration with WhatsApp, Bukayo Saka: The Time Is Now is no ordinary sports documentary. Instead, we view a more heartfelt conversation between two generations of football stars.
From their one-on-one conversation over dinner to revisiting Saka’s childhood home in Greenford, West London. Home pictures show Saka growing up as one of Arsenal’s Academy players. And how his interest in football all started from his childhood home. However, it’s clear from the very start that he had huge star potential. But at times the documentary feels like its more anchored towards Henry and they share the spotlight.
A Legend In The Making
We hear from Saka’s parents – Yomi and Adenike to his fiancé, Tolami Benson. As well as, Saka’s friends turned football players including Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) and Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham). Sometimes the documentary loses focus on Saka. Instead, Henry and Saka compare moments in their careers. Henry acts here like a mentor figure. Through his football experience and expertise, he guides Saka on important aspects of the game. These include maintaining focus, sustaining high expectations, and drowning out the noise of the crowd.
But under immense pressure from fans and the media, we see Saka speak out about the online abuse he received during the Euros 2020 final. This gives us a snippet into the lives of football players. In particular, how it feels to be them on the receiving end of public negativity. The documentary’s most powerful moment comes when words appear on the screen to replicate this online hate. Amidst the chaos of being a public figure, Saka sustains his humble image. He reminisces on his childhood love for football and his responsibility to be the inspiration for the next generation of footballers.
Image: WhatsApp
Becoming Resilient to Hate
Although, becoming resilient to the hate, Saka deals with the emotional turmoil behind maintaining the footballer mindset – to keep coming back no matter the challenges the game throws at him. For Arsenal’s talented right-winger, it’s the connections he makes with those around him that helps boost his morale. Showcasing the power of just one message – all it takes is reaching out to each other. And that’s the main message behind this documentary.
Ending on a pivotal moment, we watch as Saka contemplates how his career impacts the next generation of Arsenal’s football talent. From the young boy who didn’t stop playing in his garden to the man who’s unstoppable on the pitch – Saka defines who he is as a human being behind the sportsman.
Rating: 3 Stars
Buyako Saka: The Time Is Now is available to stream now on Disney+.
You can read more documentary reviews including D Is For Distance here.
