Apocalypse in the Tropics, the new documentary from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Petra Costa, dives deep into how evangelical Christianity transformed Brazil’s politics, leading to the rise of far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro and the near-collapse of democracy. The film, now streaming on Netflix, reveals the dangerous alliance between religion and power, showing how faith was weaponized to push extremist agendas.
How Evangelical Leaders Became Political Kingmakers in Brazil
The documentary focuses on Silas Malafaia, a fiery televangelist who played a major role in Bolsonaro’s 2018 election. Malafaia, known for his aggressive sermons against LGBTQ+ rights and communism, used his massive following to sway voters. His influence grew so strong that he even dictated speeches to Bolsonaro, ensuring the president echoed his religious rhetoric.
“Malafaia walks and rules at Alvorada [the presidential palace], to the point of repeating Bolsonaro’s speech so that the president would not forget what he had to say—what Malafaia ordered him to say.”
Evangelical Christians now make up 30% of Brazil’s population, up from just 5% decades ago. This surge gave them huge political power, with evangelicals forming one of the largest voting blocs in Congress. The film shows how this group pushed for laws against abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and Indigenous protections while promoting conservative religious values.
Bolsonaro’s Failed Leadership and the Aftermath
Bolsonaro’s presidency, heavily backed by evangelical leaders, was marked by chaos. His handling of COVID-19 was disastrous—he dismissed masks and vaccines, telling Brazilians to pray instead. Over 700,000 people died, the second-highest death toll in the world. The documentary includes chilling footage of Bolsonaro shrugging off the crisis:
“So what? What am I to do? I’m Messiah but I don’t do miracles. Why make people panic when everyone will die?”
His refusal to accept his 2022 election loss led to a January 8, 2023 coup attempt, where his supporters stormed government buildings. The film captures shocking scenes, including one rioter defecating on an official desk—mirroring the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack.
Lula’s Return and the Struggle to Save Democracy
After Bolsonaro’s defeat, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) returned as president. But the documentary warns that the evangelical far-right movement hasn’t disappeared. Even Lula had to court evangelical voters to win, showing how deeply religion now influences politics.
The film also highlights how American evangelicals helped shape Brazil’s religious right. After World War II, U.S. missionaries, backed by the CIA, spread conservative Christianity to counter leftist movements. This foreign influence laid the groundwork for today’s political-religious alliance.
Why This Documentary Matters Globally
Apocalypse in the Tropics isn’t just about Brazil—it’s a warning for democracies worldwide. From the U.S. to Hungary, far-right leaders are using religion to gain power, eroding secular governance. Costa’s film shows how easily democracy can crumble when faith and politics mix.
“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 documentary has sparked debates, with some critics saying it oversimplifies evangelical beliefs. But most agree it’s a powerful look at how religion can be manipulated for political control.
Where to Watch and Final Thoughts
Apocalypse in the Tropics is now streaming on Netflix. It’s a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of democracy and the growing power of religious extremism in politics.
Credits: Research compiled from The Guardian, TIME, IMDb, RogerEbert.com, and Netflix Tudum.
