Are you a fan of the incredible artistry and athleticism of Cirque du Soleil? Have you been eagerly awaiting a behind-the-scenes look at how they create their awe-inspiring shows? Well, you’re in luck! A brand new documentary called “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” has just been released, and it provides an unprecedented glimpse into the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into bringing a Cirque show to life.
But you may be wondering – where can I watch this exciting new film? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll give you all the details on how and where to stream “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” so you don’t miss a moment of the action. Let’s dive in!
What is “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” About?
Before we get into the streaming specifics, let’s talk a bit more about what this documentary is all about. “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” follows the famous circus troupe as they work to bring back their flagship Las Vegas show, “O”, after an extended hiatus due to the global pandemic shutdown.
Filmmaker Dawn Porter and her crew were given incredible access to document the challenges and triumphs of the performers and crew as they prepared to reopen the show in 2021. Through intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film captures the blood, sweat and tears that go into creating a world-class Cirque production.
From the high-flying acrobats to the tireless crew members working behind the scenes, “Without a Net” reveals the superhuman effort required to bring “O” back to its former glory after a long and difficult time away from the stage. It’s an emotional and inspiring journey that any fan of Cirque, or the performing arts in general, won’t want to miss.
“Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” Release Date
So when did this exciting documentary become available to watch? “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” was released globally on Prime Video on July 25, 2024. The film runs 1 hour and 38 minutes long.
Prior to the wide release on Prime Video, “Without a Net” made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on June 12, 2024. It played to rave reviews from critics and audiences at the festival, building anticipation for its streaming debut.
Where to Watch “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net”
Now for the key information you’ve been waiting for – where can you watch “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net”? The documentary is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting on July 25, 2024.
If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, then you’re all set! The film will be available to stream at no additional cost beyond your regular subscription fee. Just head to the Prime Video app or website, search for “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net”, and press play.
If you’re not a Prime member, don’t fret. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, which will give you more than enough time to watch the documentary (and check out all the other great content on Prime Video). After the trial period, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
In addition to Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription includes other great perks like free shipping, a free Kindle ebooks, access to Prime Music, and more. So it’s definitely worth considering if you do a lot of online shopping or enjoy Amazon’s streaming entertainment offerings.
How to Watch “Without a Net” Outside the US
Since Amazon Prime Video is based in the United States, “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” is only available to stream in the US by default. However, there is a way to watch from other countries – by using a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN allows you to disguise your location and virtually “transport” yourself to the US, thus bypassing the geographical restrictions on Prime Video content. There are many VPN services out there, but we recommend PureVPN as a reliable and user-friendly option.
Here’s how to use PureVPN to stream “Without a Net” from outside the US:
- Sign up for PureVPN and download the app on your device
- Open PureVPN and connect to a server located in the United States
- Log in to your Amazon Prime Video account (or start a free trial)
- Search for “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” and start streaming!
It’s that simple. With PureVPN you can enjoy the documentary from anywhere in the world. And of course, the VPN will also allow you to access other US-only content on Prime Video and beyond.
Meet the Stars of “O” Featured in the Documentary
While “Without a Net” doesn’t have a traditional “cast” like a scripted film would, it does shine a spotlight on many of the talented artists and crew members who bring “O” to life night after night. Let’s meet a few of the key players featured in the documentary:
- Phillippe Belanger, Acrobat – Belanger is one of “O”‘s most veteran performers, having been with the show since it opened in 1998. In the documentary, he shares his experience of returning to the stage after the long layoff and the physical and mental challenges of regaining his edge.
- Silvia Aderne, Synchronized Swimmer – Aderne is one of the newest members of the “O” cast, having joined the show just before the pandemic hit. “Without a Net” captures her unique journey of finally realizing her dream of performing in a Cirque show, only to have it put on hold for over a year.
- Hassan El Hajjami, Acrobatic Performer – El Hajjami is another long-time Cirque veteran who performs the breathtaking “Washington Trapeze” act in “O”. The film shows how he had to almost completely relearn his craft after being away from it for so long.
- Krista Monson, Director of Creation – As the driving creative force behind “O”, Monson faced the enormous challenge of not only getting the show back on its feet logistically and technically, but also re-inspiring her team to reach the artistic heights they were used to pre-shutdown. Her leadership is a central focus of the documentary.
Of course, these are just a few members of the enormous cast and crew that make “O” possible. “Without a Net” features many more artists, coaches, divers, technicians, and other unsung heroes who all play a vital role in Cirque’s success. Getting to know them and understanding their individual struggles and triumphs is one of the great joys of the film.
What the Critics Are Saying
“Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” has received glowing reviews from critics who praise its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and unique peek behind the curtain of an iconic entertainment brand. Here are a few review highlights:
- “Inspiring, poignant, and filled with jaw-dropping athleticism, ‘Without a Net’ is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever dreamed of running away to join the circus.” – Entertainment Weekly
- “Dawn Porter directs with great sensitivity and artistry, crafting a documentary that is equal parts exhilarating thrill ride and moving human drama.” – The Hollywood Reporter
- “A rare and intimate look at the passion, sacrifice and resilience required to pull off the ‘impossible.’ It will give you even greater appreciation for the magic of Cirque du Soleil.” – Variety
- “The performers’ stories of struggle and redemption are profoundly moving, and the footage of them soaring through the air is as close as most of us will ever get to the center ring. Fantastique!” – The Wrap
As you can see, “Without a Net” is impressing both fans and non-fans alike with its powerful storytelling and unprecedented access. If these reviews are any indication, this is a documentary that anyone can enjoy and appreciate, whether you’re a lifelong Cirque devotee or just love a great underdog tale.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap up, let’s address a few common questions that viewers might have about watching “Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net”:
Q: Is “Without a Net” appropriate for children?
A: The documentary is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for some strong language and discussions of the pandemic’s impact. It should be fine for most teens and up, but parents may want to preview it first before watching with younger children.
Q: Can I watch “Without a Net” without an Amazon Prime subscription?
A: At this time, no. The documentary is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, so a subscription is required to stream it.
Q: Is “Without a Net” available to purchase or rent on other platforms like iTunes or Google Play?
A: Currently, the film is only streaming on Prime Video and is not available to buy or rent elsewhere. This may change in the future, but Amazon has not announced any plans for a wider digital release.
Q: Will “Without a Net” be released on Blu-ray or DVD?
A: There are no official plans for a physical media release of the documentary at this time. It seems that Amazon intends to keep it as a streaming exclusive to drive subscriptions to Prime Video.
Q: Does “Without a Net” spoil any of the surprises or secrets of “O”?
A: The documentary does show a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals, training, and the inner workings of the show. However, it doesn’t give away any major surprises or reveal exactly how the “magic” is done. If anything, it will enhance your appreciation for the hard work that goes into Cirque’s finished productions.
Conclusion
“Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net” offers a rare and fascinating look at the passion, resilience, and superhuman talent required to produce a legendary live entertainment experience. Through the lens of their Las Vegas show “O”, the documentary explores both the onstage thrills and the offstage challenges of bringing an epic production back to life after an unprecedented global shutdown.
For Cirque fans, “Without a Net” is an absolute must-see, with its up-close look at the performers and crew who make the magic happen. But even if you’ve never seen a Cirque show, the film’s powerful human stories and incredible visuals make it a compelling watch for anyone.
Luckily, “Without a Net” is easy to stream from the comfort of home, as long as you have an Amazon Prime subscription. And if you’re outside the US, a simple VPN setup will allow you to access the documentary from anywhere in the world.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, fire up Prime Video, and prepare to be wowed by the extraordinary artists and athletes of Cirque du Soleil as they battle to bring “O” back to its breathtaking best. “Without a Net” is a thrilling, moving, and inspiring portrait of the drive and determination required to make the impossible possible – night after night, show after show.
