‘To the Max’ (La Fiera) Review: This BASE-Jumping Drama Never Quite Sticks the Landing

Netflix promised heart-pounding extreme sports thrills with its new Spanish drama, but according to reviewers, the real danger here is falling asleep before the credits roll.

What the Film Is About

La Fiera, directed by Salvador Calvo, draws inspiration from real Spanish pioneers of BASE jumping and wingsuit flying. It follows Carlos Suárez, who trades climbing for a riskier adrenaline fix and forms a tight bond with fellow daredevils Darío and Armando as the trio push themselves toward increasingly extreme challenges.

Why Critics Are Disappointed

Despite a premise built for nonstop tension, reviewers found the nearly two-hour runtime dragged, weighed down by melodrama and lengthy dialogue rather than the adrenaline the trailer promised. Character development gets plenty of screen time, but critics say it never translates into real emotional investment, with performances landing inconsistently — some moments hit, others feel forced.

A recurring criticism centers on the characters’ decision-making: even after repeated near-disasters with real consequences, the daredevils keep pushing forward with little reflection, which reviewers say undercuts the emotional stakes the film is trying to build around the toll their obsession takes on loved ones waiting at home.

To the Max: Overview

A Structural Misstep

Calvo also weaves in fictional interview segments throughout the film, an experimental choice that critics say interrupts momentum rather than building it — an odd fit for a story meant to be defined by speed and adrenaline. Even the visuals, which should have been the film’s strongest asset given the subject matter, are described as surprisingly restrained, missing chances for the kind of vertigo-inducing cinematography the premise demands.

This kind of high-concept extreme sports storytelling remains a niche but recurring genre on Netflix, which continues investing in international originals spanning multiple languages and formats.

For more Netflix reviews and streaming recommendations, check out TechnoSports’ entertainment section and our Netflix coverage hub for what’s worth watching this week.

Final Word

If you’re a die-hard BASE jumping or extreme sports fan, there may be enough here to hold your attention — but for general audiences, critics suggest this is one jump you can safely skip.

FAQs