This 10-Year-Old Brazilian Show Is One of the Most Overlooked Dystopian Thrillers Ever Made

In a world dominated by Hollywood, it's rare to see a Brazilian perspective on the problems of the favelas. The series 3% is not a cartoonish dystopia nor is it another teen franchise like The Hunger Games.

The story, characters, and world aren't painted in black and white and its conflicts aren't based on a theoretical confrontation between good and evil but on real-life situations.

Ten years later, 3% remains one of the most underrated dystopian thrillers and deserves much more attention.

What Is '3%' About?

The future is not as rosy as many believe. The world is undergoing a complete transformation, and humanity's future looks grim. Dreams of equality once shaped development, but they have been dashed by a new worldview.

It seems as if the world has been divided into two groups: some people are destined to be rich, while others are destined to be poor. Everyone faces a difficult natural selection process that determines their future destiny.

Only three percent of the population passes the selection process and enters a prosperous society beyond the parched slums – the rest remain in poverty and devastation.

'3%' Is a Depiction of Humanity Instead of Black-And-White Cliches

In 3%, there is no obvious freedom fighter battling tyranny, nor is there an evil totalitarian regime oppressing everyone. The characters are developed with remarkable care – each has their own story and motivations, and they all commit good and bad deeds.

When temptations arise, some characters succumb to them rather than embodying the black-and-white image of a fearless and blameless knight. This humanity makes the story extremely engaging.

Unlike many filmmakers who forcefully reveal characters' motivations and significant events, the creators of 3% allow events to unfold naturally. As a result, viewers understand for themselves what the people on screen are doing and why.

'3%' Masterfully Blends Real-Life Issues With a Dystopian Twist

3% reflects the real problems of real people in Brazil and is filmed in a high-quality, engaging manner. If you're interested in First-World and Third-World relations, 3% will offer some worthy food for thought as it explores this topic.

The only drawbacks are the poor costumes and CGI, which clearly show a lack of budget. However, these issues are insignificant and overshadowed by the series' merits.

3% is a smart, mature, and incredibly underrated dystopia that proves the best stories about inequality and survival aren't born in Hollywood but in places where these problems are witnessed daily.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of '3%'?

• 3% has 79% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.2/10.

Where to Watch '3%'?

3% is available to stream on Netflix.