Brazilian true crime production is attracting international attention on Netflix. The documentary Caso Eloá – Refém ao Vivo, which recounts one of the most notorious crimes in Brazil, remains among the most watched films on the platform in several countries since its premiere in early November.
Last week alone, the documentary garnered more than 1.8 million views and sparked international attention by revisiting the kidnapping of Eloi Pimentel, who was 15 when she was taken by her ex-boyfriend, Lindbergh Alves, then 22, in 2008. In all, there were nearly 100 hours of negotiations with the kidnapper that mobilized police, the press and millions of viewers.
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The Elwa Case: The Living Hostage
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“Eloá Case: Hostage Live,” a new documentary from Netflix
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Photos from the documentary Caso Eloá: Hostage Live
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Photos from the documentary Caso Eloá: Hostage Live
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Photos from the documentary Caso Eloá: Hostage Live
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The production brings together unpublished interviews with Elua’s parents, his brother Douglas and his friend Grasile Oliveira, as well as excerpts from the teenager’s diaries. The film also conducted interviews with journalists, experts and officials who participated in the case to analyze the mistakes, pressures and circumstances that led to the tragic outcome.
Four days later, Elua was shot inside her apartment, and although she was rescued, she was declared brain dead shortly afterwards. Caso Eloá – Refém ao Vivo is available in Brazil on Netflix.
Watch the trailer