Netflix’s Exclusive Christian Nationalism Doc ‘Apocalypse in the Tropics’ Slated for Summer Debut and Fall Award Bid

Apocalypse in the Tropics
A compelling Portuguese-language documentary feature exploring the emergence and influence of Christian nationalism in Brazil, which strikingly mirrors its development and effects in America, qualifies for acknowledgment during the 2025–2026 award cycle even though it has been showcased at several prominent film festivals throughout 2024.
The Hollywood Reporter
has learned.

indeed, the movie, penned, produced, and helmed by an Academy Award nominee,

Petra Costa

(2019’s
The Edge of Democracy
) and which Netflix obtained in December 2024 following positive responses at the Venice, Telluride, New York, and IDFA film festivals last autumn, will have a qualifying theatrical release during the summer before becoming available on the streaming platform on July 14.

Netflix considers it among its top non-fiction awards-season focuses, alongside the 2025 Sundance acquisition.
The Perfect Neighbor
.

THR
‘s August 2024 review
of
Apocalypse in the Tropics
described the film as “riveting,” not least for its remarkable behind-the-scenes access to Brazilian political rivals

Jair Bolsonaro

and

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

, as well as

Silas Malafaia

a prominent evangelical television evangelist and influential political figure, during an era of significant political turmoil that split the country’s populace of over 200 million inhabitants.

“I am excited that the world will shortly witness
Apocalypse in the Tropics,
Costa explains, “My new movie delves into how spiritual yearning can intertwine with political aspiration.”
THR
. “Through Brazil’s unfolding story, I invite viewers to reflect on the fragile line between faith and power – and what it means for democracy when that line begins to dissolve.”

Adds two-time Oscar winner

Jeremy Kleiner

of Plan B Films (
12 Years a Slave
and
Moonlight
) stated about the film: “Petra Costa is a distinctive storyteller who captures the zeitgeist perfectly, and we’re thrilled for worldwide viewers to witness her newest visually stunning creation.”

Costa’s co-writers on the film were

Nels Bangerter

,

David Barker

,

Tina Baz

and

Alessandra Orofino

, and her co-producer was

Alessandra Orofino

For Peri Productions. Besides Kleiner and his Plan B associates,

Dede Gardner

and

Brad Pitt

, EPs include

Jenny Raskin

,

Jim Swartz

,

Susan Swartz

,

Geralyn White Dreyfous

,

Katrina vanden Heuvel

along with the Meadow Fund for Impact Partners;

Jeffrey Lurie

and

Marie Therese Guirgis

for Play/Action Pictures;

Felipe Estefan

and

Rafael Georges Zein

for Luminate;

Katy Drake Bettner

;

Kate Hurwitz

; InMaat Foundation;

Frida Polli

;

James Costa

; and

Trevor Burgess

.