Words Kelly Finerty
Comedy Drama, 1h 41m
Netflix TV-14 (2025)
I often hear folks say pets have a keen sense of their chosen person. Tethered so deeply that they can sense their joy, fear and sometimes even an illness. What if your dog sensed there was something not quite right and tried to tell you, even before it was known you were sick? This is the story of Caramelo.
Set in the warmth of Brazil, this gorgeous film explores the bond between a caramel-coloured pup named “Caramelo” and his chosen person, Chef Pedro. Abandoned as a puppy, Caramelo finds his footing for three years as a survivor on the unpredictable São Paulo streets. Searching for his next meal, Caramelo wiggles his way into a Michelin Star restaurant staffed by Sous Chef Pedro, and after quite the kerfuffle in the kitchen, Pedro and Caramelo begin their funny and often charmingly awkward learning curve getting to know one another. Their bond has a few stops and starts, but ultimately is expedited by Caramelo sensing something isn’t quite right with his new human, leading Pedro to discover his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Written and directed by Diego Freitas and starring Rafael Vitti as Pedro, this Brazilian film, dubbed in English, leans into beautiful cinematography using ARRI equipment, painting São Paulo’s natural beauty onto the screen in cinematic teal and orange colouring alongside a familiar classical score. Crisp and dreamy, this film uses interesting framing with distinctive camera movement to depict the sensitive content of managing a terminal cancer diagnosis with the refreshing comedic timing of a grounding best friend close by. Even though the story should feel devastating, the filmmakers have brilliantly built levity into its plot lines with rich supporting characters: namely, co-chemo patient and brilliant artist “Leo” as a burst of sunshine personified, along with romantic interest, “Camila”, owner of a financially troubled dog shelter.
If you love uplifting, heartfelt stories featuring animal best friends and the resilience of the human spirit (swirled with a touch of romance), you will enjoy this engaging Brazilian film. It has just the right balance of whimsy, humour, heroes and touching moments to solidify the deep bond between animals and their humans. An easy watch, it may even convince your pet to add another human to the family?
If you liked Caramelo, you may also enjoy these films available on Netflix:
- The Starling (2021), starring Melissa McCarthy
- Nonnas (2025), starring Vince Vaughn & Susan Sarandon
- The Healing Powers of Dude (2020) Series, starring Larisa Oleynik
- Beyond the Universe (2022), directed by Diego Freitas
