'Sintonia' leaves fans hoping the friendship Rita, Doni and Nando share remains strong even when their lives go in different directions
Brazillian teen drama 'Sintonia' premiered on August 9 and has already garnered a huge fan following. Impressed with funk-music upbeat crowd-pulling series about young friends navigating music, drugs, and religion while growing up in São Paulo, fans are already demanding a season two. The story revolves around three friends living in a Favela (a slum or shantytown located within or on the outskirts of the city) since their childhood who are trying to change their lives. Every decision they make needs to be done keeping their families, church values and friendship in mind.
The role of Doni is played by Jottapê Carvalhohas who gives off a very warm and homely vibe. His personality is innocent and subtle, while his dream of becoming an MC is underway but hits a roadblock with his father. At the end of the season, he does manage to make his dream come true but the reality of life strikes him with sadness as he loses his dad.
The second friend from the Favela playing another lead is Christian Malheiros as Nando. He is married and has a baby girl. He too dreams of becoming rich. His work, however, deals with gangsters who are always under threat. Putting his life in jeopardy, he manages to keep his hopes up so that his family has a good life.
The third friend is Rita played by Bruna Mascarenhas. Her character is very different from the other two. Her ambition is to become an independent woman and have her own identity. She is feisty and strong in her opinions about everything. She later finds refuge in the Church and feels that her purpose in life is different.
The three of them have very different goals and dreams that they want to achieve — all while their friendship is constantly challenged as the series progresses.
Doni finds his happiness with his dream of becoming a big funk-singing star. Nando finally gets accepted into a gang as a family member and that makes him content that his life is now back on track and he gains protection and stability. Rita, meanwhile, decides to change her ignorant attitude and starts to find peace in the Church while trying to become a better person.
The bond these friends share is strong for now, but will it pass the test of time as the Kondzilla-produced series carries on to another season. It all depends on Netflix's decision to renew it for season two.