'Apocalypse in the Tropics' on Netflix: Cast, Story, Release Date & How Evangelicals Fueled Bolsonaro’s Rise in Brazil

Published 06/17/2025, 3:35 AM EDT

via Imago

From the red carpets of Venice to the digital platforms of streaming visual elements, which actually happened, this new release has become one of the most discussed documentaries of the year. But what is the reason? Is it just because it holds festival awards, or does it also hold some of the urgent questions it raised about democracy, faith, and power?

It is no doubt to say when happenings are understood well, a great documentary is born. Could this be the year’s most controversial documentary? 

Eagerness builds as Petra Costa’s new documentary heads to Netflix

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Netflix’s Tudum revealed that Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa’s latest documentary will be on your comfort screen soon. Apocalypse in the Tropics, will premiere globally on July 14, 2025, in Netflix. After a praised run at major festivals—including Venice, Telluride, and New York—the film was finally taken over by Netflix, where it was promised to reach all the possible netizens. The documentary features key figures such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Michelle Bolsonaro, and televangelist Silas Malafaia.    

 Much like The Edge of Democracy, Costa’s new film jumps into Brazil’s recent political turmoil. This time, the focus is on the explosive rise of Evangelical Christian influence in the country’s leadership. The documentary will talk about the political figures, including President Lula and Bolsonaro himself, with a fascinating narrative about how faith and politics have become dangerously tangled. Unlike the other documentaries, it is a portrait of a democracy in a place where politics contradicts the dictionary's meaning.    

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Is this just a streaming sensation, or a documentary destined to shape global conversations?

Social media talks while viewers await the Apocalypse in the Tropics

Hashtags like #ApocalypseInTheTropics and #PetraCosta are trending, as viewers debate on the impact the documentary will have on viewers and the people who do have enough knowledge about the real scenario. Early festival reviews have only encouraged the conversation, with many calling it a must-watch, interested in the concept of democracy, not just in Brazil, but worldwide.

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The journey of Apocalypse in the Tropics from festival favorite to Netflix global release is evidence of the power of good investigative storytelling in the streaming era. As July 14 approaches, all eyes are on Costa and her team to see how their four-year effort will connect with audiences. Whether the film sparks debate, outrage, or pure factual reflection, it is still a question.    

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Facts or not facts- Apocalypse in the Tropics premieres on Netflix July 14, 2025. Let us know about your thoughts in the comments below!

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Soma Mitra

7 articles

Soma is a story teller with pieces which can definitely keep your interest intac,t especially if it is related to crime and psychology. She loves writing about docu-drama pieces like Zodiac and House of Secrets. With experience in scriptwriting for short films and documentaries, podcast writing, she has written over 100 articles at renowned media houses and conducted numerous interviews for digital news company.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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