Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brazilian dystopian actioner with violence, language, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beast Race
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BEAST RACE is set 45 years after a "Great Catastrophe" has destroyed Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and left its remaining citizens in social chaos. A once illegal betting game is all the rage now. In live broadcasts, wealthy "players" direct poor competitors masked as animals in races across the city. Losing contestants must sacrifice a family member put up as collateral. Some are sold into slavery; others are sent to "Hell's Coast," never to be heard from again. But times are so tough for survivors of the Great Catastrophe that many are willing to play the game and try to win a better life—no matter the odds.
Is It Any Good?
This dystopian thriller aims to capitalize on a popular genre while still making a film with strong local roots. The setting, language, and cast of Beast Race give the film its local flavor, and the inspiration for the illegal street animal lottery is real (albeit much less daunting). Brazil is carving a niche in dystopian wealth-gap thrillers (see 3%, for example).
If you're a fan of the genre and appreciate well-choreographed urban action, there's enough to grab onto here. But the story and characters feel flimsy for much deeper connection, and some ideas are too vague. It's a shame, because the actors are topnotch, and the filmmakers could be hinting at a franchise in a late-reel revelation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the premise for the future scenario seen in Beast Race. What rings potentially true for you? Anything that feels too far-fetched?
Talk about the film's violence. Was it shocking? Thrilling? Both?
Do you think the ending opens up the possibility of a sequel? How so?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2026
- Cast : Rodrigo Santoro , Matheus Abreu , Thaina Duarte
- Directors : Fernando Meirelles , Rodrigo Pesavento , Ernesto Solis
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Competition , Dystopia , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 18, 2026
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