Apocalypse in the Tropics

Petra Costa’s Apocalypse in the Tropics culminates in a haunting image of the damage wrought by Brazil’s turbulent political and social landscape. The scene with the fallen Lady Justice sculpture and the discarded bust symbolizes the collapse of the rule of law and the erosion of justice in a country caught between religious fanaticism and political corruption. Throughout the film, Costa traces how Brazil’s initial modernist aspirations—represented by the building of Brasília as a symbol of progress and separation from colonial and religious traditions—have gradually given way to a society increasingly influenced by religious nationalism. She argues that the rise of evangelical Christianity, intertwined with far-right politics, has transformed religion into a tool for manipulation, fostering unity among supporters while deepening divides.

The film carefully explores Jair Bolsonaro’s political rise, highlighting how his alliance with televangelists like Silas Malafaia helped him tap into the powerful emotional and spiritual sentiments of many Brazilians. Bolsonaro’s campaign was built on Christian nationalist rhetoric, promising a Brazil “belonging to God,” and capitalizing on the cultural shift toward conservatism. With the support of religious leaders and a wave of evangelical influence, Bolsonaro was able to mobilize a large segment of the population, using religion to justify authoritarian tendencies and violent rhetoric. His victory in 2018, however, was followed by increasingly controversial actions, including his refusal to accept electoral defeat and his subsequent departure to Florida to avoid accountability.

The film’s climax reveals the chaos that ensued when Bolsonaro’s supporters, convinced the election was illegitimate, stormed Brasília’s government buildings on January 7, 2023. This violent rebellion reflected how deeply religion and nationalist fervor had infiltrated Brazilian politics, turning civic institutions into battlegrounds for ideological conflicts. Bolsonaro’s subsequent legal battles, accusations of plotting coups, and alleged plans to assassinate political rivals underscore how the fusion of religious extremism, political ambition, and personal loyalty has destabilized Brazil’s democracy.

Ultimately, the film leaves viewers contemplating how religion has been weaponized as a political instrument in Brazil, serving powerful figures who capitalize on spiritual sentiments to maintain power or challenge democratic norms. Apocalypse in the Tropics portrays a country at a crossroads, where the fall of justice and the rise of religious fanaticism threaten the very fabric of its democracy, leaving a haunting question about the future of Brazil’s social and political landscape.

Last Updated: July 21, 2025 at 10:29