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As a whole, this year has been pretty great for sci-fi. From Netflix’s new episodes of Black Mirror and HBO’s latest critically-acclaimed drama Westworld to the upcoming Star Wars: Rogue One, we’ve had the pleasure of watching several top-notch works of science fiction. However, there is one dystopian gem that may have escaped your radar. Netflix’s latest thriller, 3%, is an intense look into social class and desperation that at times makes The Hunger Games look tame.
Created by Pedro Aguilera, 3% focuses on a society where most of the world lives in abject poverty, save for a special ruling class — those Offshore. People have only one shot to escape the Inland and become one of the lucky higher class. On their 20th birthday, citizens are allowed to go through the Process, a series of interviews, tests, and physical challenges designed to determine whether or not citizens are worthy to go to the Offshore. Of the thousands that compete each year, only 3 percent pass — hence the show’s ominous name. It’s a concept that sounds jarring but not too terrible on paper. But in practice, 3% is horrifying.
The Process that these young adults go through is more like a cult than a fair series of tests. Unspoken rules begin to form, alliances and forged and then broken in the next moment, and mental and physical boundaries are tested. It’s that last part that makes 3% so haunting. It’s not unusual to see one of the series’ contestants dramatically commit suicide after failing a round. It’s during those moments that 3% reveals its hidden dark roots. Whereas other post apocalypse shows and movies focus on heroes fighting for family, friends, or loved ones, for many of 3%’s protagonists, that bigger picture focus is absent. Only a person who has completed the necessary challenges can make it to the Offshore, and it’s the knowledge that absolutely every sin committed is for personal gain that transforms the series from a by-the-numbers sci-fi to a chilling tale about people’s greed.
This deeper lesson is further driven home by the series’ solid performances. It’s easy for sci-fi to enter the realm of predictable or ham-fisted, but under the show’s wide-eyed lead Bianca Comparato, who plays Michele Santana, the world’s oddities and dangers feel real. Likewise, the show’s supporting characters, from the instantly lovable and wheelchair-bound Fernando (Michel Gomes) to the jades Joana (Vaneza Oliveira), feel believable. This is a show that takes pains to make its characters grounded. Becasue of that focus, when something really does go wrong, those moments become darkly compelling.
The series can easily stand on its own merits. From its pacing to its cinematography and set design, 3% is a good and good looking show. However, what is sure to make this series an item of interest in Netflix’s ever-growing arsenal of original programming is its international focus. 3% is Netflix’s first Brazilian series and second series to be produced in Latin America, the first being Club de Cuervos. As Narcos’ popularity has proven, Netflix’s audience is willing to read subtitles when it comes to original content, but 3% is distinct in that it features subbing and dubbing options. Currently, you can watch the series in its original Portuguese with English, French, Spanish, or Chinese subtitles, or you can opt to watch a dubbed version in either English or Spanish. No matter what option you choose, the variety of methods to watch aligns with Netflix’s growing global focus.
Watching a series completely dubbed can be distracting for some. Likewise, watching a series with subtitles can be a taxing experience, especially when the title in question is as fast-paced and beautiful as 3%. However, not giving this Brazilian series a chance because of its international roots or because of its sci-fi focus would be a mistake. 3% is Netflix’s dystopian secret gem that’s worth an eight episode binge.
