Film addresses the erosion of democracy and the rise of fundamentalism
Netflix released the trailer for “Tropicália Apocalypse,” the new documentary by filmmaker Petra Costa, who was Oscar-nominated for “Democracy in Turmoil.” The production offers a reflection on the boundaries between democracy and theocracy, exposing the threat religious leaders pose to democracy in Brazil. According to the official synopsis, the film “is a cinematic investigation into the flaws that emerge when religion fuels political ambition.”
Who does Petra Costa interview in the documentary?
Over nearly a decade of filming, Petra Costa follows political and religious events that redefined the role of faith in Brazil’s public arena. The director gained direct access to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President Jair Bolsonaro, and pastor Silas Malafaia, a prominent figure in evangelical Bolsonarism.
“Apocalypse of the Tropics” is not limited to recording political events. The film aims to explore “the seduction of power, prophecy, and belief,” connecting personal experiences, historical records, and religious symbols in a narrative that, according to the director, reflects a moment of institutional collapse and spiritual crisis.
No trailer, the director adopts a tone of warning when stating that “faith has ceased to be a private refuge to become a public battlefield.” In an interview with Deadline, Costa said: “The marriage between Christian fundamentalism and the far right is incompatible with democracy. The basic principle of democracy is that you need to coexist with your enemy.”
The film intertwines past and present to draw historical parallels—it shows, for example, how the prosperity gospel and neopentecostal expansion have gained strength since redemocratization, influencing lawmakers and forming a robust evangelical bloc. Archival footage of massive stadium services, excerpts from fiery sermons about the “end times,” and scenes from Bolsonaro’s electoral campaign support the narrative. Key moments from the government are also analyzed through this lens: the management of the Covid-19 pandemic (when Bolsonaro downplayed vaccines and aligned himself with pastors who referred to the virus as “divine punishment”), and the strongly religious-influenced protests of September 7th. The documentary’s climax is its coverage of the shocking events of January 8th, 2023—when extremists stormed the headquarters of the Three Powers in Brasília—interpreted as the ultimate attempt to fulfill apocalyptic prophecies and establish an authoritarian theocratic regime.
Produced in executive partnership with Plan B Entertainment (actor Brad Pitt’s company) and Netflix, Petra had unprecedented resources available for a national documentary.
Documentary was highlighted at international festivals
Shown out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, it received applause and drew international attention to Brazil’s political landscape. Since then, it has traveled through a circuit of major festivals: it was screened at the Telluride Film Festival in the US, was part of the Spotlight section at the New York Film Festival, participated at the San Sebastián Festival in Spain, and won the Coral Award for Best Documentary at the Havana Film Festival in Cuba, before receiving its limited theatrical release this Thursday (7/4) in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Oscar chances?
The film will also be released in theaters in the United States and the United Kingdom on the 11th, positioning it as a contender for a spot in the 2026 Oscar race—and with approval from the American press. Variety highlighted that Petra “turned Brazil into a parable for the U.S.” and praised the director’s courage in exposing forces that many prefer to ignore, while The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Netflix plans an awards campaign for the film, such is its confidence in the movie’s quality and relevance.
The streaming premiere happens on July 14th.