Apocalypse in the Tropics: Netflix's upcoming docufilm about a tumultuous Brazil premieres this July and here's what we know

Apocalypse in the Tropics is the forthcoming documentary film that will be released on Netflix on July 14, 2025. The docu will be exploring the country of Brazil and the role of the Church's separation from the state and the constitution. It's helmed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa, who is also from Brazil. She had received the Oscar nomination for her previous film, The Edge of Democracy.

Ahead of the documentary film's release, the makers have dropped its official trailer. So let us explore more about it and all its important aspects. Read on to find out everything.

When will Apocalypse in the Tropics release?

Apocalypse in the Tropics will premiere on Netflix on July 14, 2025. Prior to that, the film will be released on limited screens in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 11. It will also release in Brazil on July 3. The film has been screened at the New York Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, Camden International, and Chicago International Film Festival.

What is Apocalypse in the Tropics about?

Apocalypse in the Tropics, originally called Apocalipse nos Trópicos, traces the increasing influence of the Church and Evangelists on the politics of Brazil. The 2018 general elections, which Jair Bolsonaro ended up winning, are also covered. The makers explore different aspects of the Church's involvement in politics through interviews, archival footage, and scene-recreations.

Several elected officials, citizens, and members from the Church have given their interviews for the film. Costa also serves as the main narrator of the story. In an official statement via Tudum, Netflix has said:

"It examines how the movement, and particularly the significant political influence of Pentecostal pastor and televangelist Silas Malafaia, have challenged the foundations of the nation’s democracy. Combining historical context and personal perspectives (including those of Costa herself, who narrates the film), the documentary highlights how the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of religious power in Brazil reflect trends seen in other countries around the world."

Costa also spoke about the film, saying:

“We worked on this documentary for four years because we believe the erosion of democracy is the most crucial issue we face. In our story, we look at what happens in Brazil as a fable of our times.”

The two-minute-33-second-long trailer provides a glimpse into what the documentary will be offering to the viewers.

The film has been written by Costa along with Alessandra Orofino, Tina Baz, Nels Bangerter and David Barker. The producers of the film include Costa, Orofino, under the production banners of Peri Productions, Busca Vida Filmes, Luminate, Impact Partners, Play/Action Pictures, and Plan B/KM Films.

The executive producers include Jenny Raskin, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Susan Swartz, Jim Swartz, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Felipe Estefan, Rafael Georges Zein, Brad Pitt, Katy Drake Bettner, Dede Gardner and Jeffrey Lurie, among others.

Are you excited about Apocalypse in the Tropics?