Apocalypse in the Tropics: The Startling Rise of Evangelical Power in Brazil

Bloody hell, mates – remember when politics was boring? Well, Brazilian director Petra Costa’s new documentary might have you longing for those days. Her latest film drops a proper bombshell about how evangelical Christians have quietly become the puppet masters of Latin America’s largest democracy. And trust me, it’s more gripping than the latest season of House of Dragons.

The Speech That Spilled the Beans

Picture this: It’s 2021, and Brazil’s then-president Jair Bolsonaro is giving it large to thousands of supporters in So Paulo. He’s proper giving it the big’un about only leaving office “in prison or dead” – dramatic stuff, right? But Costa spotted something properly fascinating that most of us missed. The whole time, Bolsonaro kept looking at televangelist Silas Malafaia like a student checking answers with the clever kid during exams.

Even more bizarre? Malafaia was mouthing along to every word like he was at a karaoke night. Costa reckons he wrote the speech himself – and honestly, watching the footage, it’s hard to disagree. Talk about your political ventriloquist act!

From Soap Stars to Supreme Court: The God Squad Takes Over

Now, if you think this is just about one speech, think again. Costa’s film shows how evangelical leaders have got their fingers in more pies than Mrs Miggins’ bakery. They’re absolutely everywhere – running TV networks, filling up Congress, and even picking Supreme Court judges. It’s like they’ve looked at every lever of power and thought, “We’ll have that, ta very much.”

Remember those Brazilian soap operas everyone’s nan used to bang on about? Well, now they’re packed with evangelical messaging. It’s proper clever when you think about it – changing hearts and minds one cliff-hanger at a time.

Democracy’s Warning Label

What makes Costa’s film properly unsettling is how it shows these changes happening right under everyone’s noses. One minute you’re watching standard political theatre, the next you’re realizing the stage manager’s been replaced and the script’s totally different.

And here’s the kicker – this isn’t just a Brazilian story. As someone who’s covered UK politics for years, I’m seeing eerily similar patterns emerging in democracies worldwide. Makes you wonder what we might be missing in our own backyard, doesn’t it?

FAQ: Your Burning Questions

When can I watch Apocalypse in the Tropics in the UK?

The film hits select cinemas nationwide from August 15th, 2025, with streaming release on major platforms scheduled for October. Perfect timing for those autumn evening documentary sessions.

Is this just another political hit piece?

Not at all, mate. Costa’s known for her balanced approach – she lets the footage do the talking. The film includes interviews with evangelical leaders and their critics, giving viewers space to draw their own conclusions.

Why should Brits care about Brazilian politics?

Because what happens in Brazil rarely stays in Brazil. The film shows how religious influence in politics can reshape democratic institutions – something relevant to any democracy. Plus, it’s properly gripping stuff!

The Bottom Line

Apocalypse in the Tropics isn’t just another political documentary – it’s a wake-up call wrapped in masterful storytelling. Whether you’re a politics nerd or just fancy something thought-provoking for movie night, this one’s worth your time. Plus, it’ll give you something properly interesting to chat about down the pub!

Drop your thoughts below – has religious influence in politics got you worried? Or is this all just a storm in a teacup? Let’s have a proper chinwag about it.