Netflix's Oscar-nominated director's latest documentary promises controversy, yet provides a welcome change of pace for the streaming service.
In the world of documentary filmmaking, two new releases on Netflix are generating significant buzz β Petra Costa's Apocalypse in the Tropics and the upcoming The Perfect Neighbor.
Apocalypse in the Tropics, released on July 14, 2020, acts as a follow-up to Costa's 2019 movie The Edge of Democracy. This documentary, presented in an essay format, offers a hard-hitting look at modern Brazilian politics, focusing on the rise of evangelical Christians and their involvement in politics. The movie specifically examines the conflict between past president Jair Bolsonaro and his successor Luiz InaΜcio Lula da Silva, and makes several references to the US political system, particularly the POTUS.
While the film is known for its provocative and controversial examination of religion, director Petra Costa clarified during a Q&A that it is not an attack on religion but rather an exploration of people's beliefs and motivations. The movie can be humorous at times, leading some viewers to compare it to the British political satire series The Thick of It. However, others may find the rambling monologues in the doc to be a drawback.
On the other hand, The Perfect Neighbor is generating Oscar buzz, but its release date in 2025 remains uncertain. Little is known about the film, except that it promises to be another compelling documentary, joining the ranks of Apocalypse in the Tropics.
Both documentaries are bound to spark conversation and debate, with Apocalypse in the Tropics offering a harrowing look at how religion can be manipulated, and The Perfect Neighbor promising to delve into intriguing and thought-provoking themes. If you're a fan of documentary films that tackle current affairs, these two releases on Netflix are not to be missed.
