Netflix’s It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football delves into a watershed moment for women’s soccer. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup marked Spain’s historic victory, but the celebrations were tainted when then-President of the Spanish Soccer Federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed player Jennifer Hermoso without her consent. What should have been a moment of pure triumph became overshadowed by a scandal that ignited international debate about consent, power, and gender dynamics in sports.
Jennifer Hermoso Speaks Out
Featuring Jennifer Hermoso in an intimate setting, the documentary captures her firsthand perspective of the incident, which she recounts with her teammates’ support. Hermoso, who made her disapproval clear to her team, opens up like never before, providing a personal narrative to a story that rocked the sports world. This documentary presents Hermoso’s courage in standing up for her rights, setting a powerful precedent in the sports community and beyond.
Beyond the scandal, the documentary also portrays the strong bond within the Spanish team. The players’ journey, starting with their ambitions in 2022, highlights their dedication and camaraderie as they faced this unexpected adversity together. Interviews with team members like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Sandra Paños offer an inspiring look at how the scandal solidified their unity and resolve.
View this post on Instagram
A National Debate on Consent and Power
Directed by Joanna Pardos, the documentary not only addresses the scandal but also dives into the national conversation it sparked across Spain. Rubiales, who at first dismissed the allegations as “social assassination,” eventually stepped down after facing intense scrutiny and a three-year ban from FIFA. The scandal fueled debates on consent, workplace power dynamics, and respect in professional sports.
It’s All Over sheds light on the broader implications for women in sports, emphasizing how this incident helped amplify the push for equality. The film offers a poignant reminder that, while players may be celebrated on the field, they still face challenges for respect and dignity off it. Executive co-producers Javier Martínez and Luis Miguel Calvo state that the film is as much about resilience as it is about triumph, underscoring the far-reaching impact this story will have on future generations.
Why You Should Watch ‘It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Footbal’?
For fans of sports documentaries and those interested in issues of consent and social justice, It’s All Over promises to be both a riveting watch and a meaningful reflection on a turning point in sports history. With raw interviews, personal testimonies, and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary gives audiences an inside look at the intersection of athletic victory and societal change.
