Smashing Success

It took nearly four years of begging before Venus Williams and Serena Williams allowed filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major into their insulated lives. The result of this unprecedented access is Venus and Serena, a new documentary that embodies the American Dream. The film is as much about the sisters' unique relationship as their on-court exploits: we see them cook, sing karaoke, and dissect the trouble with marriage—namely, that they would no longer get to live together. They come across as confident when talking about their careers but aloof when the subject is anything more personal, such as family—especially their strong-willed father, who performs double duty as coach. It's hard to name many other subjects about whom Bill Clinton, Chris Rock, and Anna Wintour would all sit for interviews, heaping praise upon the objects of their shared fascination. At this point, Venus and Serena have earned such plaudits.

REEVES WIEDEMAN