AtanariaThe Cage on Netflix offers a gritty, action-packed dive into the world of MMA that’s both thrilling and familiar, particularly for fans of high-octane sports dramas. Set in France, the five-episode series follows Taylor Keita (Melvin Boomer), a young fighter whose ambitions lead him from humble training in an amateur gym to the broader stage of the UFC. Under the mentorship of Boss (Franck Gastambide, who co-created the show), Taylor’s journey reflects the classic underdog narrative—someone who overcomes doubt and hard knocks to prove himself on the biggest stage. Yet, the series doesn’t stop at athletic grit; it also dives into the demands of social media fame and the weight of the media spotlight on an athlete’s journey, adding an interesting, modern twist.
The show is incredibly adept at capturing the visceral thrill of MMA, with tight cinematography and intense fight scenes inside the Octagon that heighten every punch and sweep. Cameos from real MMA stars like Georges St-Pierre and Cyril Gane add authenticity, making it clear that the creators aimed to capture the essence of the sport, right down to its celebrity culture and grueling physicality. UFC and other league branding lend realism, and while the sound effects for the punches occasionally feel over the top, they help underscore the brutality of Taylor’s pursuit of greatness.
Where The Cage shines is in balancing classic sports drama with its fresh exploration of a fighter’s public and private lives. As Taylor’s career gains viral momentum, his earnest humility is set against the relentless pace of social media attention and fan scrutiny. This isn’t just about proving skill—it’s about resilience under the gaze of a critical audience. And while the mentor-student relationship between Taylor and Boss could have easily fallen into sports movie clichés, Gastambide and Boomer deliver chemistry that grounds their dynamic, avoiding many tired tropes.
However, The Cage has its limitations. While Gastambide delivers a solid performance, he doesn’t stray from the “old demons” of masculinism that often shadow sports dramas. By leaning into the raw, often macho environment of the MMA world, the series misses an opportunity to explore deeper and more nuanced themes within the sport, like the psychological toll of fighting or the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength that many fighters experience. The Cage could have taken a step beyond the genre’s comfort zone by examining these complex issues, but instead, it relies on familiar expressions of masculinity and physical dominance, which narrows its potential appeal.
So stream it or skip it? Stream It. The Cage packs a punch for MMA fans, delivering both thrilling action and a fresh look at the social pressures that modern athletes face. While it doesn’t entirely escape sports drama conventions or delve into deeper emotional complexity, it’s an engaging watch that captures the gritty allure of the UFC with authenticity and flair.
Watch it for the fun of it, not the quality of the message delivered or the depth of its characters and themes.
