Movies

Netflix Doc Exposes Shocking Truth Behind Brazil’s Christian Nationalist Rise

BBG News

In the initial scene of “Apocalypse in the Tropics“, the camera sweeps over a fissured surface where a band of unclothed figures, each with indistinct facial expressions, find refuge within the safety of a split, white oval shell – this element is part of Hieronymus Bosch’s mysterious triptych, “The Garden of Earthly Delights”. This painting symbolizes the destructive consequences of unbridled desires, making it an apt start for a documentary exploring the emergence of Christian Nationalism in Brazil. This documentary is now available on Netflix, having been screened at last year’s Venice Film Festival earlier.

This enlightening documentary, directed, co-written, and narrated by Petra Costa – whose 2019 film ‘The Edge of Democracy‘ was Academy Award-nominated – is organized into distinct chapters, chronicling significant sociopolitical events that rocked the nation. The visuals skillfully interweave historical events with myth and personal narratives, incorporating archival footage and interviews with spiritual figures and political leaders, such as televangelist Silas Malafaia and Brazil’s current and former presidents – Lula (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva) and Jair Bolsonaro.

Speaking with TIME, filmmaker Costa describes the process of creating this movie as an incredible odyssey that lasted four years, largely without pause, during one of Brazil’s most challenging and dismal periods in history. The crew examined countless hours of old footage, submitted numerous freedom of information petitions in both Brazil and the United States, gained entry to a prominent televangelist and two presidents embroiled in power struggles, and dealt with COVID-19 wards, mass graves, and the homes of the less privileged. As Costa explains, their aim was to portray the heartbeat of Brazilian society, from its streets to its congress, all the way up to the presidential palace. What emerged through the material they gathered was a striking depiction of how religious leaders were wielding significant power in politics, and the potential danger that fundamentalist religion poses to the division between church and state.

Laying the groundwork for Christian nationalism

During the fourth Brazilian Republic, President Juscelino Kubitschek envisioned a modern, democratic future for Brazil, emphasizing progress and equality rather than religious faith. He instilled a sense of national pride and the conviction that Brazil would rise to global prominence. Under his leadership, Brasilia – designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa – was constructed as the new federal capital and officially opened in April 1960. For Brazilians, this city, which replaced Rio de Janeiro, represented a powerful symbol of their country’s growing importance on the international stage.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that my vision for a more united Brazil hasn’t fully materialized as I had hoped. Over the past few years, our nation seems to have fractured into numerous fragments. This division has been fueled by the adoption of hateful ideologies across a broad spectrum, the escalation of cultural conflicts, the rise of anti-intellectualism, the spread of misinformation on social media, the ominous messaging of apocalyptic prophecies, the allure of doomsday conspiracy theories, and the polarizing influence of ethno-religious identity politics.

The movie titled “Apocalypse in the Tropics” portrays those who have gained power in Brazil as Christian nationalists and fundamentalists, who are deeply rooted in the belief that divine punishment is imminent. Key figures like Malafaia and Magno Malta embody a vengeful interpretation of Jesus, ready to punish non-believers and adversaries of God. This attitude is partially attributed to what the documentary suggests is a misunderstanding of the Book of Revelation, a frequently cited and contentious text. Their aim is to create a Christian state and uphold cultural traditionalism. Costa’s cinematic approach clearly conveys the idea that this group will pursue these ambitions, even if it means disregarding “loving thy neighbor” and the welfare of society as a whole.

For many centuries, Catholicism introduced by Portuguese colonizers, which served as a spiritual guide and political instrument, paved the way for the expansion of Christian nationalism. This religious system not only molded Brazil’s cultural identity but also served to justify the brutal oppression of Indigenous populations and the enslavement of countless Africans transported to the country. According to Costa, this trend has intensified significantly over the past four decades, as evangelism has grown from a mere 5% to more than 30% of Brazil’s total population.

Although it was once a significant force in people’s lives, the Holy See’s authority has noticeably declined in recent periods. However, the emergence of populist and ultra-conservative political figures employing nationalistic discourse has raised fears of theocracy among secular societies. Costa believes that the message in Apocalypse in the Tropics has relevance beyond Brazil. “From Hungary to India, Italy to the United States, a new generation of right-wing leaders with strong connections to fundamentalist religions has arisen. As their movements expand, so does the influence of the religious leaders spearheading them,” she notes.

In the 1960s, a new and contrasting movement sprang up within the Catholic Church in Brazil: Liberation Theology, which focused on social justice and championing the underprivileged. During the Cold War, this was perceived as a threat to American interests, and its followers were labeled as communists. As depicted in the documentary, Henry Kissinger cautioned President Nixon that the Catholic Church was no longer an ally in Latin America. The administration collaborated with a lobbying group known as “The Family” to convert people there to evangelical Christianity. Costa reveals that our film uncovered previously undisclosed information about how American evangelical missionaries were dispatched to Brazil to challenge the impact of Liberation Theology. Since then, Brazil has created its own form of evangelicalism.

In this Christian movement emphasizing prosperity, economically disadvantaged individuals find solace, believing that through sermons and contributions to the church, they can amass earthly wealth. As depicted in “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” Brazil’s evangelical churches are numerous and easily accessible, frequently set up in private homes rather than traditional Catholic structures. Many pastors exhibit boisterous, assertive behavior that incites spiritual trances and a feeling of divine superiority. Both the rich and poor are attracted to this wealth-focused environment, which combines strong religious convictions with capitalism.

Religion, government, and power

A well-known Pentecoastal pastor and televangelist named Malafaia, often regarded as a political kingmaker, has gained wealth and popularity through his sermons over time. He’s also extended his reach into the political sphere, forging connections with politicians and backing presidential contenders, such as Bolsonaro, whom he believes was chosen by God to govern. Malafaia’s endorsement played a significant role in Bolsonaro’s victory in 2019. Later on, he supported Lula in 2022, but their alliance fell apart due to contrasting beliefs. In an interview for the documentary, Costa discusses with Malafaia who occasionally becomes emotional, particularly when discussing Brazil’s leftists. He discusses the impact evangelical leaders have on politics and their ability to either boost or undermine political candidates.

A significant factor leading to the defeat of President Bolsonaro in the 2022 election was his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is widely viewed as a dismal failure due to his apparent indifference. Instead of adhering to scientific advice and strategies to combat the pandemic, he favored herd immunity, fasts, promises, prayers, and spreading false theories. In response to Brazil’s high death toll (which made it one of the hardest-hit countries globally), Bolsonaro, in a chilling statement from a documentary, remarked, “What can I do? I am not the Messiah, and I don’t perform miracles. Why create panic when everyone will eventually die?

Given that Bolsonaro is barred from running for president until 2030, influential Christian nationalist figures, allied with the far-right, are actively searching for a replacement in the 2026 presidential election. As Costa points out, these leaders remain active and hold one of the strongest factions within Congress. Moreover, this situation unfolds at a time when the legislature has significantly weakened the executive branch’s powers. In “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” Congressman and Evangelical Caucus President Sóstenes Cavalcante notes that the group has expanded from 50 members in 2002 to 142 in the Senate. President Lula is grappling with a conservative legislative body that obstructs his leadership and resists passing key reforms, like raising taxes on Brazil’s wealthiest. Costa states that imposing taxes on Brazil’s wealthy elite would impact only around 50 families and generate approximately $260 billion USD.

A portrait of more than just Brazil

Costa proposes that one method to grasp the turmoil of our contemporary period is by viewing it as a hangover from an information revolution, much like the printing press disrupted society in its day, social media is now causing widespread repercussions. Modern algorithms are not devised for fostering democratic discourse, group decision-making, or constructing consensus, but rather for virality, outrage, conflict, and emotional intensity—which amplifies divisive messages. Costa elaborates that such digital spaces are particularly conducive to the growth of religious fundamentalism and other extremist ideologies.

At a 2018 election rally, Bolsonaro spoke passionately to his captivated audience, stating, “If I become president, I promise that every citizen will have a firearm in their home. There will be no land reserved for indigenous groups, and there will be no reparations for slavery.” He then mimicked shooting at opponents from the Workers’ Party of Acre with an imaginary machine gun.

Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro and his administration frequently suggested defying legal norms towards adversaries such as Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who investigated him multiple times for spreading misinformation illegally. A recurring image of tanks patrolling the streets—a reminiscent of Brazil’s past military takeovers—Bolsonaro utilized the military for protection, incited by his supporters whom he urged to stage uprisings against perceived injustice. This turmoil culminated following his defeat in the 2022 elections, with Bolsonaristas attacking the Three Powers Square on January 8, 2023—a mere few days after Lula’s inauguration. The former president contested his election loss in October and sought refuge in Florida while fueling dissatisfaction among his radicalized followers. This alarming event, similar to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, marks the conclusion of the documentary. Currently, Trump is warning to impose a 50% tariff on Brazil if the Supreme Court fails to dismiss charges against Bolsonaro for the coup attempt.

During the production of “Apocalypse in the Tropics“, Costa found herself realizing that the film was not exclusively about Brazil. She explains, “This depiction is not merely a mirror of isolated far-right factions. Instead, it reveals how fundamentalist groups across various nations are exchanging thoughts and techniques, forging partnerships, and amassing significant international influence.

In these turbulent times, we’re on a quest for clarity amidst disorder. When we’re lost in doubt and bewilderment, we often seek solace in leaders who claim to lead us through the shadows. As Costa puts it, with people feeling powerless over their future due to globalization, distance from power, or the impact of advancing technologies, the allure of spiritual guidance from the divine is strong, offering comfort and hope during a period of profound earthly unrest.

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2025-07-15 01:07

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