Parents' Guide to

3%

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dystopian thriller has a good story, violent moments.

TV Netflix Drama 2016
3% Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 17+

Based on 4 parent reviews

GOODREAD PARENT
GOODREAD PARENT Adult
February 20, 2021
age 18+

Extreme Nudity

Great show but shows extreme nudity, in ways I can’t believe this was approved for Netflix. It includes extreme nudity from both sides. Warning 18+.

This title has:

Too much sex
mgar300
mgar300 Adult
December 27, 2019
age 14+

good

i believe this show is good for ages 14 and up
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Netflix series 3% is a Brazilian dystopian thriller about a group of young adults attempting to survive a ritualistic selection process in hopes of ascending to a better life. Michele Santana (Bianca Comparato) lives in the slums of a postapocalyptic São Paulo. Like other 20-year-olds, she must participate in the Process, a state-imposed series of mental, physical, and emotional challenges that determine who gets to live in the adjoining privileged society known as the OffShore. While Michele, along with other hopefuls like Fernando Carvalho (Michel Gomes), Rafael Moreira (Rodolfo Valente), Joana Coelho (Vaneza Oliveira), and Marco Alvarez (Rafael Lozano) are determined to make it through to reach the mythical land of prosperity, Process Leader Ezequiel (João Miguel) is under increasing pressure from leadership to watch for potential candidates who represent the Cause, a group of rebels determined to bring down the entire system.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (5):

Adapted from a popular YouTube series, this compelling futuristic drama offers a thought-provoking narrative that will appeal to teens who enjoy fare like The Hunger Games. It also offers a young, diverse, and attractive ensemble cast designed to appeal to its target audience. However, it doesn't feature some of the advanced special effects the genre is known for, which makes it feel a little low-budget in comparison.

Nonetheless, what 3% lacks in visual sophistication is more than made up for by its intriguing story world and a strong cast of characters, both of which become richer as the narrative moves briskly along. It has its share of violence, but most of the challenges are more psychologically draining than they are physically abusive. If you're looking for a good series to absorb yourself in, you won't be disappointed by this one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about TV shows and movies about dystopian societies such as the one in 3%. A dystopia is undesirable and frightening, so why are stories about them so popular? Are they statements about today's society? Is the intention to warn us about tomorrow?

  • Do you like watching shows with subtitles? What kinds of elements does 3% contain that make it appealing to non-Brazilian audiences?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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