Apocalypse in the Tropics
Apocalypse in the Tropics: At what point does a theocracy start and a democracy end? Apocalypse in the Tropics explores the growing influence of evangelical Christian figures on Brazilian politics. The movie serves as a mirror to the rest of the globe by fusing the past and present.
Petra Costa Originals on Netflix.
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Apocalypse in the Tropics
“Apocalypse in the Tropics” is a riveting 2024 documentary from Oscar‑nominee Petra Costa that investigates how Brazil’s evangelical Christian movement—represented by figures like televangelist Silas Malafaia—helped propel Jair Bolsonaro to power and shook the foundations of Brazilian democracy.
The film premiered in theaters on July 11, 2025, and was released globally on Netflix on July 14, 2025.
Available exclusively via Netflix (included with standard plans), it offers chilling parallels to rising religious populism worldwide and boasts a 94 % critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The gripping trailer, released on June 30, 2025, sets the tone with powerful visuals of political rallies, religious fervor, and iconic interviews (Bolsonaro, Lula, Malafaia), framed by the haunting question: “When does a democracy end, and a theocracy begin?”
