The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros

The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros tracks how Jair Bolsonaro went from relative obscurity to becoming Brazil's president, laying out the political, social, and media forces that lifted him. Rather than a linear biography, the series pieces together campaign footage, interviews, and archival material to show how a blend of military background, blunt rhetoric, and social media savvy won support among varied groups. It pays attention to the moods behind the votes, including fears about crime, nostalgia for order, and the spread of misinformation, while showing how institutions and rivals reacted as his profile grew. The storytelling focuses on context and consequence, and it avoids sensationalizing single moments.

Released in 2022 as a televised documentary series, it relies on archival footage and contemporary interviews to reconstruct events. Production credits and director names vary by market, reflecting different editorial packages and regional broadcasters.

Critical response has been limited but generally positive, with a 7.0/10 vote average from a small sample of viewers. Reviewers tended to note its emphasis on media strategy, political polarization, and the role of disinformation. Themes include populism, the influence of military identity on politics, and how economic and cultural anxieties reshape democratic norms.

The series entered public conversations about modern populism and Brazil's recent political history, offering material frequently cited in op-eds and academic discussions. It helped summarize complex debates for international audiences and gave media commentators a compact reference when comparing rightwing movements across countries.

There are no widely reported major awards tied to this documentary, though it attracted attention in political commentary and among specialist screenings. Its impact comes more from fueling debate than from prize recognition.