"Sr." chronicles the Downey's cinematic legacy

Shot in black and white "Sr." shows Robert Downey Sr. and Robert Downey Jr. in rare form in a unique documentary. 

Filmmaker Chris Smith from Netflix's hit Tiger King gives us a glimpse into this family's private life. Robert Downey, Jr. and his wife Susan produced this obvious labor of love. It must have been tough sifting through footage and deciding what to reveal from the team.  

There is a casual tone to what was shot before the main subject passed away. This is in perfect alignment with the lighthearted sense of humor and style often displayed by the men of the house. 

There is a great deal of material to absorb with fun facts sprinkled throughout the hour-and-a-half running time displayed in "Sr." Many may not know that Downey is not even the family's last name. It was Elias before senior enlisted in the army because of possible Jewish stigma. 

At five years old, junior made his debut in his father's film Pound and eventually his career took off in the movie business. Robert Downey, Jr. excelled with big-budget undertakings while senior continued to create quirky arthouse projects. Both of them battled addiction in their own way while navigating their way in the world of show biz. 

While they both have tons of relationships built within the industry only a few are shown here with Norman Lear, Paul Thomas Anderson and Alan Arkin. Things grow a wee bit gayer as family friend Sean Hayes plays the piano and eventually grow sadder as Robert Downey Sr.'s health declines. Junior's upbeat sense of humor keeps the narrative moving. If you have ever had the privilege to be around this talented actor in person you know how he takes over a room with his personality. 

He was born to be a performer and this project allows him to pay his father back while honoring his work. These are sometimes very private moments that are now public on Netflix. 

Downey, Jr.'s son Exton Elias Downey makes an appearance in "Sr." and we can only hope that one day there may be a sequel to this documentary from his son's perspective. What a wonderful way to honor a family member and their legacy by using the medium that has been their livelihood over the years. Both life and fame are fleeting with time always running out to capture as much of it as possible on film. Chronicling it with "Sr." is a gift that will keep on giving especially now that Downey, Sr. passed away at 85 years old from Parkinson's complications in 2021. 

For fans of cinema and the Downey's contribution to the art form, "Sr." stands out from the rest. Stream this family's intimate portrait on Netflix.com today.