🎬 The Premise
Released in 2022, They Could Be Alive enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on
What would the pandemic have been like in Brazil if the government had used all the potential that the SUS (Brazilian Federal Health System) offers? What could the country's 300,000 health workers have done to combat the uncontrolled transmission of the virus? How many deaths would have been avoided if we had done contact tracing, mass testing and invested in effective prevention and awareness campaigns? How many children, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and brothers would have lost the most important people in their lives if the president of the republic had not bet on the strategy of intentional contamination to generate collective immunity, despising vaccines and betting on charlatanism (and corruption)?.
Under the direction of Irmãos Mesquita, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Jair Bolsonaro.
The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, They Could Be Alive offers a
visually stunning presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, They Could Be Alive resonates with current
cultural themes in the Documentary space.
It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, They Could Be Alive is available in theaters worldwide.
For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of They Could Be Alive centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape.
What would the pandemic have been like in Brazil if the government had used all the potential that the SUS (Brazilian Federal Health System) offers? What could the country's 300,000 health workers have done to combat the uncontrolled transmission of the virus? How many deaths would have been avoided if we had done contact tracing, mass testing and invested in effective prevention and awareness campaigns? How many children, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and brothers would have lost the most important people in their lives if the president of the republic had not bet on the strategy of intentional contamination to generate collective immunity, despising vaccines and betting on charlatanism (and corruption)?
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2022 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of They Could Be Alive has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a They Could Be Alive sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for They Could Be Alive (2022): with an audience rating of 10/10, the reception has been acclaimed.
It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.