Anitta reveals duality in her Netflix documentary

Brazilian singer Anitta, known for her vibrant music and performances, spoke with USA TODAY about her new Netflix documentary, "Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta." The film explores her identity beyond her public persona and showcases her journey as an artist. Anitta, whose real name is Larissa de Macedo Machado, has entertained fans for over ten years. She expresses that she has often felt pressured to portray a strong, confident image. However, she acknowledges her vulnerability and insecurities. "I wanted to make sure I was able to be all of this," she said. The documentary delves into her personal life, including her relationship with co-director Pedro Cantelmo, a childhood friend. Their bond allowed Anitta to open up more intimately than she had in past projects. She noted that their shared history helped her feel comfortable being herself, describing the film as a combination of personal reflection and a love story. Anitta reflects on her dating experiences, revealing that she has learned the importance of working on her relationships. She recognizes that having a successful partnership requires effort from both sides. "We always attract what we are vibrating," she emphasized, highlighting her focus on self-improvement. The film also celebrates Anitta's achievements, including her record-breaking performances and award nominations. Despite her success, she admitted she wishes she had taken the time to enjoy her accomplishments more. "There's no reason to keep going with the journey if there's no pleasure on it," she remarked. In her recent work, Anitta has embraced Brazilian funk, a genre that has historically faced criticism. She feels proud to represent this music style and highlight its significance. "For me to see it winning like that is really important," she stated. As the documentary concludes, Anitta contemplates her happiness and material success. She questions whether wealth truly brings joy and emphasizes the importance of living in the moment. "Happiness nowadays is being aware and conscious that life has ups and downs," Anitta shared, reflecting her newfound perspective on life.