Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotionally intense drama with cancer, love, and a cute dog.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Caramelo
What's the Story?
Pedro (Rafael Vitti) has just been given the promotion of his lifetime to chef at a respected restaurant in CARAMELO. His stroke of good fortune was a combination of talent (he cooks a mean fried-dough concoction called coxinha) and luck (a stray dog ate the acting chef's special dish, prompting his resignation). Feeling that he owes the dog something, Pedro brings him home, only to find that the cute mutt—whom he names Caramelo because of his caramel-colored coat—has no self-control. He takes him for training at a local dog school, where he meets the attractive Camila (Arianne Botelho). What Caramelo does have is a sixth sense—for rotten food, and for something malignant growing in Pedro's brain. Now, Pedro will face the biggest threat to his life, with Camila and Caramelo in his corner.
Is It Any Good?
This Brazilian movie has several winning ingredients: a charming lead, an adorable dog, haute cuisine, drama, romance, and comedy. Caramelo is not unpredictable or novel, but it's sweet, and co-stars Vitta, Botelho, and especially that feisty dog all have the natural charisma to carry the film. Regular use of golden lighting and a general innocence and integrity to the characters add to the harmony.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Pedro brings the dog home in Caramelo. Would you have done the same? Why, or why not?
Do dogs actually have an acute sense for sniffing out illnesses or rotten food? Where could you find more information about their special abilities?
How would you describe this film? What genre is it?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 10, 2025
- Cast : Rafael Vitti , Arianne Botelho , Diego Freitas
- Director : Diego Freitas
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , South American Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights ) , Animals , Cooking , Friendship
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 22, 2025
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