Rivers of Fate is one of the most popular series on Netflix this week, alongside more well-known scripted dramas like Untamed, Sullivan’s Crossing and Extant.
With no stars and little advance publicity, Rivers of Fate is a late summer hit. Why?
The Brazilian crime drama has quickly earned international buzz thanks to its tense storytelling, lush visuals and compelling themes of survival and redemption. Fans of gritty thrillers will find plenty to love here, but so will anyone who enjoys character-driven drama with emotional weight.
Watch With Us breaks down all the reasons you should be watching below.
It’s an Interwoven Narrative About Diverse Characters
DOMITHILA CATTETE in Rivers of Fate Netflix
We love when a show takes characters from different walks of life and puts them on a collision course — it’s a formula for interesting conversations, surprising twists and for each character to see things from another’s point of view that they normally never would have. That’s exactly what Rivers of Fate does so well. The story follows three characters’ very different journeys along the Amazon River, and their narratives are woven together in ways that are surprising and engaging. The show balances grit and humanity, ensuring that each character feels multidimensional rather than a simple archetype.
The first character we meet is Janalice (Domithila Cattete), a teenage girl who is kicked out of her home by her religious parents after her boyfriend shares a sexually explicit video of her. Before long, she winds up on the street and falls victim to a sex trafficking ring.
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Lucas Galvino in Rivers of Fate Netflix
Preá (Lucas Galvino) is the reluctant leader of a gang of river pirates who steal cargo along the Amazon. His gang is the reason for Janalice getting abducted, but he takes a liking to the girl and decides to set her free.
The third lead character is Mariangel (Marleyda Soto), a former revolutionary whose son and husband were murdered by a gang. She’s not only looking for revenge, she also wants to free other victims.
These characters function as the metaphorical “rivers” of the story, and you’ll immediately be eager to learn where and how they converge.
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The Setting Is One We’ve Never Seen Before
Picture of boats on a river from ‘Rivers of Fate’ Netflix
The Northern Brazil setting is one we’ve rarely seen onscreen, and it’s rare to see a “river adventure” narrative that’s as grounded and intense as this one. Rivers of Fate works because it feels like such a specific story, one that could only happen in this place with these characters.
The lush visuals of the Amazon river and jungle add both beauty and menace, giving the story an atmosphere that feels raw and unpredictable. By rooting the drama in a location that is both breathtaking and dangerous, the show makes every choice the characters face feel more urgent.
It’s a Short Series That Packs a Punch
Sometimes it can be hard to sit in a bleak story for hours on end. While Rivers of Fate is not exactly a fun watch, it is a quick one — with only four episodes of around an hour each, you can watch it in just a few hours.
That means you’ll get to join these characters along their arcs and arrive at a satisfying ending within just one or two days. Rivers of Fate is so impactful and intense, you’ll probably need a breather afterwards, but you’ll be glad you saw it.
Watch Rivers of Fate on Netflix.