Elite Squad: The Enemy Within

Thirteen years have elapsed since the previous film, plunging Lieutenant Colonel Nascimento (formerly a BOPE Captain) into a whirlwind of chaos as he comes under fire while exiting a hospital. Amidst the tumult, Nascimento’s voiceover narrates the turbulent journey that led him to this perilous moment.

The story unfolds like a complex tapestry interlaced with threads of tension and strife. Four years earlier, Nascimento finds himself at the Bangu Penitentiary Complex, tasked with quelling a riot ignited by the notorious gangleader Beirada, who insists on negotiations with Diogo Fraga, a teacher and human rights advocate. As Fraga is brought to the scene, he adeptly persuades Beirada to release the hostages. However, Nascimento’s protégé, Captain André Matias, defies orders and fatally shoots Beirada, unleashing a series of consequences that resonate throughout the narrative.

As time progresses, Nascimento discovers that PMERJ commander Formoso intends to oust him due to mounting negative publicity. Unfazed, he confronts Formoso at a restaurant, where patrons applaud his resolute stand. The State Secretary for Public Safety, Guaracy, seizes the moment, promoting Nascimento while using Matias as a scapegoat by transferring him to the ordinary police. Nascimento vows to support Matias, yet Matias confides in journalist Clara Vidal about the rampant governmental corruption and BOPE’s lack of backing, ultimately leading to a prison sentence. Meanwhile, Fraga, now united with Nascimento’s ex-wife Rosane, ascends to the Rio State Assembly.

With newfound resources, Nascimento enhances BOPE’s arsenal — increasing personnel, armored vehicles, and helicopters — hoping to eradicate police corruption by dismantling entire drug cartels operating in the favelas. However, corrupt officers under Major Rocha’s command establish a militia that simultaneously eliminates drug trafficking and extorts local businesses to fortify a political stronghold.

Fast forward four years; disguised militia members steal rifles from a police station in Tanque, one of the last bastions of drug trade, thus providing a cover for their corrupt allies to press for the expulsion of heavily armed dealers and seize control of the area. Nascimento listens intently to phonetaps of the dealers, assuring Guaracy of their innocence; however, corrupt Lieutenant-Colonel Fabio Barbosa persists in claiming an informant’s allegations against them, granting authorization for a raid. Matias, reinstated to BOPE by Rocha, occupies the station and ambushes fleeing dealers, resorting to torture on captured drug lord Pepa to uncover the whereabouts of the stolen weapons. As Rocha arrives and inexplicably executes Pepa, a confrontation ensues where Matias meets his untimely death at the hands of Rocha’s men.

As the dark reality of Matias’ death sinks in, a heartbroken Nascimento seizes control of Fraga’s phone records, leveraging the investigative journalist’s efforts to expose militia corruption. Vidal, meanwhile, delves into the favelas under Rocha’s influence, unearthing damaging evidence for his re-election campaign. Unfortunately, her findings are abruptly silenced by Rocha’s henchmen and her photographer. Eavesdropping on Fraga’s call, Nascimento understands the dire threat to Vidal and realizes Fraga has also become a target. With strategic precision, he mobilizes his team to protect Fraga, Rafael, and Rosane as they come together at Fraga’s residence. The ensuing drive-by attack leaves Rafael injured, prompting Nascimento to rush him to the hospital while secretly delivering the incriminating recording to Fraga. This shocking evidence compels Fraga to seek retribution against Guaracy, issuing a stark ultimatum: if his son’s life is spared, nobody else will be safe.

The Assembly launches an investigation into the disappearances of Vidal and her photographer, fueled by Fraga’s evidence. In the meantime, Nascimento’s reputation suffers as accusations of wiretapping Rosane surface, leading him to resign from his post. Fearing his militia will be scapegoated for Rocha’s actions, Nascimento prepares for an ambush during a visit to Rafael; fortunately, BOPE officers arrive just in time, thwarting Rocha’s minions and allowing Nascimento to evade danger.

When summoned to testify, Nascimento unveils a complex network of corrupt officials, including Guaracy and Gregorio Fortunato, a TV personality and legislator who financially supports the militia. As the body count rises among those who possess knowledge or evidence, the Governor wins re-election, and Guaracy ascends to office in Rio. The film’s closing moments find Nascimento reflecting on Brazil’s political state, aptly declaring that > “as long as the conditions that sustain this system remain, it will persist.” His somber contemplation is momentarily uplifted by a visit to Rafael, who slowly regains consciousness amidst the chaos.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 12:05