The Brazilian dystopian thriller has been hailed a ‘rare gem’ and ‘masterpiece’ by fans
Netflix series 3% should be on your radar if you love thrillers(Image: GETTY)
The concluding series of the universally loved dystopian thriller, The Handmaid’s Tale, has been over for some time, leaving devotees hunting for their next television fixation.
Fans of thrillers are similarly captivated by a relatively obscure dystopian series titled 3%, showcasing a young ensemble and situated within an intriguing offshore community.
This Netflix offering from 2020 has accumulated numerous glowing reviews since its debut, with audiences declaring it “Tremendously Underrated”.
One IMDb critique states: “I was really surprised by the fact that this show is really unknown. It is a great TV series that definitely deserves more recognition.”
Another subscriber commented: “Cinematically and visually stunning, a political, Hunger Games-esque storyline with believable acting, and I thought very interesting, lifelike characters. The script is intelligent, the characters are strong, and the interaction is elegant in its simplicity and natural air”, reports the Express.
The narrative of this Brazilian thriller revolves around merely 3% of the population inhabiting luxury on an island, while the remaining citizens endure poverty on the mainland. Upon turning 20, ordinary people are given a single opportunity to join the elite 3% through a brutal competition dubbed ‘the process’.
Deliberately ruthless and potentially lethal to contestants, the competition concludes with most candidates returning to deprived circumstances – sometimes too incapacitated to even carry on.
While the series hails from Portugal, numerous English-speaking audiences have been captivated by the programme, eagerly watching every episode through subtitles or dubbed versions.
One enthusiast even labelled the show a “rare gem”.
They remarked: “3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3, so far, is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet, which, let me tell you, is absolutely saying something!”
“The world continues to be fleshed out, and the already quite complex characters are only getting more interesting. Do yourself a favour; watch at least to episode three before you pass judgement. You won’t regret it!”
Another viewer commented: “This is truly an outstanding dystopian/post-apocalyptic series. The acting, the shots, the pace, the character development, the storyline… Everything is on point! Seasons 1, 2 and 4 were, for me, all riveting.”
Boasting a Brazilian ensemble, the performers in this production are relatively unfamiliar but deliver an “outstanding” showing, according to audiences.
João Miguel portrays Ezequiel in the series, the Process’s leader, alongside Bianca Comparato, who appears as Michele Santana, and Michel Gomes as Fernando Carvalho. Reflecting on the performances in 3%, one viewer commented: “I watched this out of boredom, but boy, was I glad that I did. It totally caught me off guard by how wonderful this show was. It is intelligent, futuristic, and well acted; all in all, absolutely amazing.”
Whether you’re eager to discover what all the fuss is about, or simply on the lookout for something to watch after completing The Handmaid’s Tale, 3% is currently available to stream on Netflix.