Despite its huge public success, Prime Video’s Tremenbe has also faced criticism, with some criticizing the film’s series of “glorification” and “romanticization” of the convicted criminals it depicts. In an interview with big cityscreenwriter Ulysses Campbell responded to the controversy, defending the production’s approach and explaining that showing humanity does not mean being exalted.
For the writers, the series truly humanizes the characters, as they remain human despite being criminals. He emphasized that many people still have the perception that their life is simply frozen when they are arrested, which does not match the reality portrayed in Tremenbe.
“What people are not prepared for is to encounter this truth. They continue to live, eat, work and date,” he noted.
Ulisses believes that Tremembe merely exposes the everyday life that exists, but which some people do not want to face. He added that when the story being depicted is Brazilian, the reaction is usually more intense, which increases the emotional discomfort of the viewer.
“Brazilians are very uncomfortable when a serious crime is attached to a Brazilian postal code. This destabilizes the population. But the moment they follow a story of a crime that is as brutal or even more brutal than in America or Europe, they become more at ease when they distance themselves from this story,” he reflected.
For the author, this series is committed to a more human approach. He says the idea of “romanticization” arises because the characters have relationships and are emotionally involved, but he denies that Tremenbe is trying to “glorify” criminals.
“I don’t see how we position these characters as if they’re examples to emulate, or as if they’re winning medals or gaining more notoriety than they already have,” he also stressed.
About The Author
