Outlaw (2024), originally titled Bandida: A Número Um, is a Netflix action-thriller from Brazil that brings to life the gritty realities of gang wars, betrayal, and survival in the Brazilian favelas. Directed by João Wainer, this film combines elements of a classic crime drama with a documentary-style realism, offering viewers an immersive and intense cinematic experience.
At its core, Outlaw explores themes of power, betrayal, and survival, wrapped up in a tale of a young woman, Rebeca, who rises from the ashes of her harrowing childhood to become a gang leader. With a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes, the film doesn’t waste any time and dives straight into a whirlwind of violence, heartbreak, and defiance.
Plot Overview
The film begins in 1992, where Rebeca, the protagonist, records her thoughts on a tape recorder, anticipating her death in a matter of days. The narrative then shifts back to 1977, where we are introduced to a young Rebeca, raised in the slums of Rio de Janeiro’s notorious Rocinha favela. Her life takes a dark turn when her grandmother, a gambling addict, sells her to a local gang leader named Amoroso to settle her debts.
Amoroso, who runs the criminal underworld of Rocinha, initially intends to use Rebeca as part of his gang of exploited women. However, Rebeca’s rebellious spirit shines through, and she escapes Amoroso’s control by seeking refuge with a Yoruba woman. This powerful figure declares that Rebeca is protected by the goddess Oxum Apara, sparing her from Amoroso’s wrath. As Rebeca grows up, she becomes deeply involved in the criminal world, learning the ins and outs of Amoroso’s empire. By the mid-1980s, she is a key player in the gang’s operations, expanding Amoroso’s business and confronting new rivals.
Rebeca’s transformation from a victim to a ruthless leader is central to the film’s narrative. After surviving various attempts to control her, she takes matters into her own hands, ultimately orchestrating the downfall of Amoroso with the help of Para, her love interest. As she ascends the criminal ranks, Rebeca must navigate deadly rivalries, betrayal, and loss.
Character Study: Rebeca’s Journey from Victim to Leader
Rebeca, played by newcomer Bomani, is the heart of Outlaw. Her character arc is both tragic and empowering, as she goes from being a powerless girl sold into the criminal underworld to a feared and respected leader. Her journey is filled with challenges that test her resilience and cunning.
One of the most interesting aspects of Rebeca’s character is her relationship with the gang leader Para. Together, they attempt to rise in power amidst constant threats from rival gangs and the corrupt police. However, Para’s reckless behavior ultimately leads to his downfall, leaving Rebeca to pick up the pieces. Her leadership, though initially done from the shadows, eventually becomes overt as she fights to retain control of the gang and exact revenge on those who have wronged her.
While Rebeca’s growth into a leader is admirable, it also highlights the grim reality of her world—power comes at a cost, and it is often paid in blood.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, Outlaw stands out for its dynamic cinematography. The film frequently shifts between different aspect ratios, creating a blend of documentary-like realism and cinematic drama. This technique helps to underscore the intensity of the situations that Rebeca finds herself in, making the violence and raw emotion feel all the more palpable.
The favelas of Brazil are captured in both their beauty and their brutality. The use of shadowy, tight corridors juxtaposed with wide-open spaces illustrates the entrapment Rebeca feels throughout much of her life. In contrast, moments of freedom—such as her escape attempts—are depicted in bright, sunlit scenes that convey hope, however fleeting it may be.
The gritty realism of the film is heightened by these visual choices, immersing viewers in the chaotic, dangerous world that Rebeca navigates.
Themes and Messages
Outlaw explores the themes of power, betrayal, and survival in a way that resonates with viewers. At its core, the film is a study of what people are willing to do to survive in an unforgiving world. Rebeca’s journey from victimhood to leadership is marked by constant betrayals, from her grandmother selling her to Amoroso, to her lover Para betraying her trust, and ultimately, the police turning on her gang.
The theme of destiny also runs through the film, with Rebeca often being referred to as a chosen figure by the Yoruba deity Oxum Apara. This connection to spirituality suggests that her survival is not just a matter of luck or skill, but also divine intervention. However, despite this spiritual protection, the harsh realities of her world never truly fade.
The movie also delves into the concept of family—both biological and chosen. Rebeca’s strained relationship with her grandmother and mother contrasts sharply with the surrogate family she builds within the gang. Yet, even this family is rife with betrayal and violence, forcing Rebeca to continually fight for her place.
Direction and Execution
João Wainer’s direction is both ambitious and bold. By combining different cinematic techniques, such as switching between documentary-style realism and traditional film aesthetics, he creates a raw, immersive experience. However, some of these visual choices, particularly the aspect ratio shifts, may feel disjointed to viewers and can interrupt the flow of the narrative.
That said, Wainer’s focus on character-driven storytelling keeps the film engaging. While the plot is filled with action and violence, the real tension comes from the personal stakes for Rebeca. Her inner struggle for power and survival is what drives the film forward.
Comparison to Similar Films
When compared to other Brazilian crime dramas like City of God (2002), Outlaw shares the same gritty depiction of life in the favelas. Both films explore how young people are drawn into crime due to a lack of opportunities and how power dynamics shift violently within these communities. However, Outlaw differentiates itself by focusing on a female protagonist, giving it a fresh perspective on the typical crime story. The film’s focus on spiritual elements also adds a unique layer to the narrative.
Final Verdict: Is Outlaw Worth Watching?
Outlaw is a gripping crime drama that offers a powerful, albeit brutal, portrayal of life in the Brazilian favelas. While its execution may not be flawless, particularly with the jarring visual shifts, it makes up for it with a strong central performance by Bomani and a captivating story of resilience and survival.
For fans of crime dramas with a focus on character development, Outlaw is a must-watch. Its exploration of power, betrayal, and survival, coupled with its unique setting and cultural elements, makes it a standout film in the genre.
For viewers looking for intense crime dramas with complex characters, Outlaw is available on Netflix. You can watch the trailer here and find out where to stream it here.
