Apocalypse in the Tropics

This is the stark reality shown to the world. The photography is fascinating beyond its narrative, congratulations!

You can see Petra Costa's dedication to her research in the documentary, even though she brings her vision among the facts shown, she still shows partiality in many cases.

I hope that in this way, with this film by Petra Costa, we Brazilians can learn to be open-minded and that from now on we can open our eyes. Conservatism destroys, we know very well what happened to Germany and its conservatism in 1939.

This document deserves to be seen, not only as a film, but as an account of a nation in trouble!

The new Netflix documentary "Apocalypse in the Tropics" is a chilling, close-up look at Christian Nationalism on the rise, this time in Brazil, which is reckoning with its own version of January 6. With an eerie score, pointed narration, and unnervingly intimate footage, the doc takes you into the backrooms where power, faith, and fascism collide. What's most striking is that unlike the U. S., Brazil seems willing to hold its would-be coup plotters to account. As an American who lived through a real military coup in Thailand, I found this film deeply unsettling and terribly relevant. Watching from abroad, it's impossible not to see the parallels: attacks on democratic institutions, judicial overreach, corporate complicity, and a twisted gospel that weaponizes religion to control women, demonize LGBTQ+ people, and ignore the poor, the sick, and the stranger. This isn't just a Brazilian problem; it's a global one and it may already be too late. This doc is highly recommended and honestly, it's Code Red for democracy everywhere.

From beginning to end, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. This documentary brought back memories of the terror Brazil experienced for four years under the previous administration and how we cannot allow that to happen again. It's easy to understand and the narrative is very easy to understand. Petra did a job that many will say is fabricated, but it's the naked truth that needs to be shown to the world, but mainly to show how capable Brazil is of evolving and achieving justice, and that no other country should blackmail an entire nation. Assista e aproveite a história sendo contada.

Another very good and timeless documentary by Petra. A bit slower than The Edge of Democracy, but worth watching to understand the parallel between religion and politics in Brazil. This is a parallel that can be drawn in other countries, but it's more evident today in Brazil with evangelical churches. For those who say it's biased, it also shows the Brazilian left's dilemma with religion, which is very complex and often contradictory. It could be faster, more dynamic. Less Malafaia and more about the role of these churches on both sides, despite being more evident in the Brazilian far right. I liked it, and watched this to my Polish wife, it was very interesting but could be deeper than what was showcased.

Synopsis: The role of the evangelical movement in Jair Bolsonaro's rise to the presidency is explored with commentary from key figures across the Brazilian political spectrum, including Bolsonaro's leftist predecessor and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and televangelist Silas Malafaia, a close associate of Bolsonaro.

Review: "Apocalypse in the Tropics" stands out as a provocative work that delves into the complexities of the intersection between religion and politics in contemporary Brazil. Directed by Petra Costa, the documentary examines how the evangelical movement not only influenced but also catalyzed Jair Bolsonaro's rise to the presidency, raising alarming questions about the presence of a potential theocracy in the country.

Throughout the film, the director uses a compelling narrative, packed with interviews with key figures in the Brazilian political scene. The contrast between figures like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Silas Malafaia enriches the analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the tensions and alliances that permeated this discourse. Petra's skill in weaving this argument with personal and social elements makes the subject accessible and relevant, even for those unfamiliar with Brazilian politics.

One of the documentary's most compelling points is its exploration of the role of evangelical churches in manipulating the vote and building a solid base of support for Bolsonaro. The footage illustrates how these religious groups have become a formidable force in politics, empowering conservative ideals while simultaneously challenging fundamental democratic notions.

However, despite the strength of its approach and the relevance of the topic, the documentary could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the social consequences of the rise of the gospel in politics. The narratives presented, while impactful, sometimes lack a broader development that considers the diversity of opinions within the evangelical movement itself and the repercussions on disadvantaged populations. This lack of nuance can leave the viewer with a somewhat one-sided view that fails to fully grasp the complexity of the issue.

Furthermore, some moments when emotions override critical analysis can weaken the argument. While the urgency of the topic justifies an alarming tone, it is essential that the narrative maintain a balance between emotion and critical analysis so that the viewer can form an informed opinion.

In short, "Apocalypse nos Trópicos" is a documentary that raises essential reflections on the future of democracy in Brazil in light of the growing influence of evangelicalism. With an engaging production and a highly relevant theme, it sparks a necessary debate, but to be truly impactful, it could have delved deeper into some of its themes and broadened the perspective presented. This analysis reminds us that open dialogue and a plurality of voices are essential at such decisive moments in a country's political history.