Caramelo is a 2025 Brazilian family drama directed by Diego Freitas and written by Rod Azevedo, Vitor Brandt, and Carolina Castro. The film stars Rafael Vitti, along with a talented supporting cast including Arianne Botelho, Noemia Oliveira, and Kelzy Ecard.
Set in the vibrant city of São Paulo, the movie follows the special bond between a promising chef named Pedro (Vitti) and a stray golden-colored dog, a “vira-lata caramelo.” When an unexpected life-changing diagnosis turns Pedro’s world upside down, the dog, Caramelo, becomes more than just a pet. He becomes a symbol of resilience, a source of humor, and a testament to the unconditional love that can be found in the most unlikely of friendships.
Produced by Netflix Brasil and Migdal Filmes, Caramelo is a touching story that celebrates a uniquely Brazilian cultural icon: the caramel-colored mutt. The film premiered worldwide on Netflix in September 2025.
Caramelo Age Rating
Caramelo is officially rated TV-14 on Netflix for thematic material, mild language, and emotional intensity. This rating suggests the film may not be suitable for children under 14 without parental guidance.
Content Breakdown for Parents:
Violence & Peril: The film contains no strong violence, graphic content, or jump scares. However, some emotionally intense moments involving a serious illness, family conflict, and the theme of loss may be distressing for sensitive viewers. The peril is entirely emotional rather than physical.
Language: Mild profanity is used sparingly and in a realistic context. Words like “idiot” or casual, non-extreme swearing may appear. There are no racial slurs or sexually explicit language.
Mature Themes: The central themes are mature and include grief, resilience, and family struggles, especially those related to a health crisis. The movie also subtly touches on financial stress and the emotional weight of a difficult diagnosis. There is no nudity, sexual content, smoking, or substance use depicted. The film is a wholesome drama focused on character relationships and personal growth.
Is Caramelo Suitable for Kids?
Ages 8–12: With Guidance. While the bond between the man and his dog is heartwarming and relatable, younger children may find the emotional themes of illness and potential loss difficult to process. We recommend watching with them and being prepared to pause and discuss these topics.
Ages 13–15: Yes. Teens in this age range can fully appreciate the story’s emotional weight and relate to the family themes. The narrative offers a good opportunity for discussion about empathy, responsibility, and dealing with hardship.
Ages 16+: Yes. Older teens and adults will be able to fully appreciate the story’s emotional depth and its cultural context without any issues.
Final Recommendation: Caramelo is an excellent family drama, best suited for viewers ages 12 and up, with a recommendation for parental guidance for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
Discuss Family Resilience: Use the film as a starting point to talk about how families support each other in difficult times. Ask questions like, “What does it mean to be resilient?” or “How did the family in the movie work together to face their problems?”
Prepare for Sad Moments: Let children know in advance that some scenes deal with serious emotional topics like illness and loss. This can help them prepare emotionally and prevent the film from being a shock.
Highlight the Cultural Context: Take the opportunity to discuss Brazilian traditions and family values reflected in the film. The movie’s focus on the “vira-lata caramelo,” a beloved and iconic stray dog in Brazil, is a perfect gateway to a conversation about cultural symbols and the unique bond Brazilians have with these animals. You can explain that this specific type of dog is a part of the country’s collective identity, often seen as a symbol of simplicity, kindness, and resilience—the very themes of the movie itself.
Behind the Scenes & Cultural Insights
A National Symbol: The “vira-lata caramelo” (which translates to “caramel-colored mutt”) is a widespread and much-loved stray dog in Brazil. They are a national icon, often celebrated in memes, songs, and now, film. The movie’s title character is a nod to this cultural phenomenon, celebrating the charm and resilience of these street dogs.
Filming in São Paulo: The film was shot on location in São Paulo, one of the world’s largest cities. This setting provides an authentic backdrop for the family’s story, contrasting the urban landscape with the emotional, personal struggles of its characters.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Caramelo rated?
A: Caramelo is rated TV-14 on Netflix for thematic elements and mild language.
Q: Is Caramelo suitable for kids?
A: Yes, but with guidance. Children under 12 may struggle with some of the film’s emotional themes.
Q: Does Caramelo have violence or scary scenes?
A: No. The film avoids physical violence but includes emotionally intense scenes related to family struggles and illness.
Q: Is there bad language in Caramelo?
A: Mild profanity is present but limited.
Q: Does Caramelo include sexual content?
A: No. The film is family-focused and contains no nudity or suggestive scenes.
Q: Where can I watch Caramelo?
A: Caramelo is available to stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide.