Starting this series, I was pretty pessimistic about it. However as I progressed, the series proved me wrong. There isn't anything unnecessary, each episode is the length it should be and not more. The actors and characters are charming and the story told, albeit new to me since I had no previous knowledge of the country's folklore, is quite interesting and original. Netflix is on the right track this time.
90 Reviews
A moody blend of folklore, mystery and crime.
darrenbjones8 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Invisible City is a moody blend of horror, fantasy and folklore set in Rio de Janeiro, from the director of many of the Ice Age series of films. Yes that's right, it's also not for young kids and absolutely brilliant. Based on a story by best selling fantasy authors Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhóz, Invisible City follows Detective Eric who becomes obsessed with finding someone to blame for the death of his wife in a forest fire.
Left alone to raise their daughter Luna, Eric's obsession draws him into a dark underworld where reality and folklore blend uncomfortably. He's an intruder in their carefully hidden world and his refusal to back off from his investigation puts his daughter, himself, the locals and the spirits of nature and the forest in danger.
Was it an accident? Is a local developer desperate to move farmers off their lands to blame? Is the mysterious man with links to women around the area involved or is there something darker to blame?
This is a well written, well directed series that moves at a solid pace to a satisfying conclusion. Moody and atmospheric, it creates a realistic world where the creatures of folk tales have successfully and in some cases most definitely not successfully adapted to life in the urban centres of mankind. My only criticism is that at seven episodes it is too short to really get to explore the tales of some of these characters. Hopefully there will be a second season commissioned with more episodes and a chance to explore some of this magical and fascinating world. It's a great series and once again Netflix should be applauded for bringing original international content to viewers who would never have seen it otherwise.
Definitely worth viewing.
This is a well written, well directed series that moves at a solid pace to a satisfying conclusion. Moody and atmospheric, it creates a realistic world where the creatures of folk tales have successfully and in some cases most definitely not successfully adapted to life in the urban centres of mankind. My only criticism is that at seven episodes it is too short to really get to explore the tales of some of these characters. Hopefully there will be a second season commissioned with more episodes and a chance to explore some of this magical and fascinating world. It's a great series and once again Netflix should be applauded for bringing original international content to viewers who would never have seen it otherwise.
Definitely worth viewing.
Fan from the States
ecnash-4352014 February 2021
Season 1 was Awesome. Season 2 a bit of a let down. Go Season 3!!!
doraemax25 March 2023
Invisible City is one of those shows that almost immediately (by end of 1st episode) captures you and don't let go. The concept, the beauty, the storyline is so captivating, making us wanting more.
This is true especially for the 1st season. However, the 2nd season, outside of the 1st episode, is a bit of a letdown. At the end of it, I was asking Why Eric even need to be there? In season 2 episode 1 the concept was broaden to include actual living human with abilities/ or curse instead of just Spirit Entities, which was awesome. But instead of running with it, the story narrow down it's scope to this one particular issue and one particular sacred place. Eric and Luna is just there as messengers, i guess, both required for more sacrifices on their part to what essentially is not their fault, nor their ancestor's faults. I guess Eric's wife's good intention ended up being paid by both her husband and daughter. Eric's ending is so tragic. This guy has sacrifice everything...TWICE at this point. So let give him and his daughter their due and give us a 3rd Season!!! Hahaha.
This is true especially for the 1st season. However, the 2nd season, outside of the 1st episode, is a bit of a letdown. At the end of it, I was asking Why Eric even need to be there? In season 2 episode 1 the concept was broaden to include actual living human with abilities/ or curse instead of just Spirit Entities, which was awesome. But instead of running with it, the story narrow down it's scope to this one particular issue and one particular sacred place. Eric and Luna is just there as messengers, i guess, both required for more sacrifices on their part to what essentially is not their fault, nor their ancestor's faults. I guess Eric's wife's good intention ended up being paid by both her husband and daughter. Eric's ending is so tragic. This guy has sacrifice everything...TWICE at this point. So let give him and his daughter their due and give us a 3rd Season!!! Hahaha.
Refreshingly different!
pboechat7 February 2021
It's so good to see something different and so well-made on Netflix! The idea of a story based off of the Brazilian mythology is alone something that makes this series worthwatching, and yet it offers so much more: the atmosphere, the locations, the casting, the vfx... everything is superb! On the not so positive side: the story takes a bit to pick up the pace, but when it does it becomes absolutely amazing.
subtle supernatural
Calicodreamin8 February 2021
A surprisingly good show, the supernatural side was subtle and not the over the top effects most shows go for these days. The storyline was interesting and things came together well in the end. There's just enough loose ends left to hold attention. Decent acting and dubbing.
Amazing Brazilian Folclore Story
mari-bibanco6 February 2021
There isn't much to say besides that this show shows Brazilian Folclore in a way that no one ever tried to put in television before. It's incredible to witness our countries history being portrayed in a way that even people that never had contact with it would be able to watch and enjoy. Orgulho demais da nossa cultura e do nosso país!
The Brazil's worst detective is also a pretty bad Dad too...great cinematography though!
diggs-5274225 March 2023
Pretty much summed it up in my title. The characters are interesting and offer a window into South American mythology, that we don't get to see too often in film. However, the father is not the best detective in the room, nor does he really come across as being there for his daughter, as much as I'd like a parent to console a daughter after trauma.
But maybe that's just me.
I can never figure out with some of Netflix's foreign offerings( many are superb); I'm not sure if it's bad script or bad acting or both, that is off putting for me, when it comes to basic human reaction or natural progression of a scene, or just because of my own cultural ignorance.
I digress, good premise, fairly good actors,...I think, and solid cinematography and editing.
Season 2 echoes the first season and uses the same tropes and hooks.
Probably a 6.5 out of 10....but you will most likely still binge watch it.
But maybe that's just me.
I can never figure out with some of Netflix's foreign offerings( many are superb); I'm not sure if it's bad script or bad acting or both, that is off putting for me, when it comes to basic human reaction or natural progression of a scene, or just because of my own cultural ignorance.
I digress, good premise, fairly good actors,...I think, and solid cinematography and editing.
Season 2 echoes the first season and uses the same tropes and hooks.
Probably a 6.5 out of 10....but you will most likely still binge watch it.
Inside Brazilian faerie realms
guisreis27 February 2021
Mixing different genres (fantasy, police action, horror, thriller) and with an environmental problem as an issue, Invisible City is probably the most encompassing effort to portray in the screen Brazilian rich folklore/mythology ever (perhaps even more than the classic Sítio do Pica-pau Amarelo). We can see Saci-Pererê, the Boto (both had appeared alone in Brazilian movies before), Cuca, Iara, Curupira, Caipora. All characters (not only the cretures but also the policemen, the girl and the citizens from the rural community) were played by actors with convincing performances, in very clever adaptations from the legends. Special effects, obviously simpler than in Hollywood, worked perfectly and were amesome. While Samuel de Assis did a good job in the leading role, and José Dumont is one of the best Brazilian actors, I was particularly amazed by the deepness and strength Fábio Lago, Alessandra Negrini, Jessica Córes and Wesley Guimarães gave to their versions of lovely faeries from Brazil.
Amazing!
ninavilhena12 February 2021
Wow! Couldn't stop watching it!
searchersd11 February 2021
Beings from folklore live in secret amongst humans in modern day Brazil. All is good until some mysterious deaths occur and an environmental cop finds himself in the middle of it. You get excitement, a spooky fantasy, and a whodunnit all rolled into one. This is so good that you don't even notice that it's a foreign series - and it left me wanting more.
Needed to risk more
zeolivio14 February 2021
Started good, amazing to see our myths represented in a big series like this, but the story is quite bad and cliche, the acting also lacks soul, it felt like a outside series filmed in Brazil, needed to risk more, its just another meh series, but worth the watch if you're brazilian and want to remember our folklore..
Could have been a masterpiece in better hands
Skipfishh27 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent idea to mix present-day Brazil with its traditional legends and folklore in crime and fantasy plots. And, in addition to the excellent idea itself, two seasons with well-thought-out and creative plots, where this main idea went from just an idea to actually having a consistent story.
The problem is that even with a great idea and good stories in hands, the scripts of the two seasons are poorly written, with forced dialogues and several flaws in the narrative and rhythm, taking away much of the quality of what could have been a masterpiece if it had fallen into the hands of a good screenwriter. An example of this is the character of Débora in the second season, even having such a rich story behind her, she is very poorly developed and confused, crossing from villain to super hero in a completely abrupt and inappropriate way without any development.
Another problem concerns the direction of actors, which cannot disguise the weakness of the dialogues and script, generating extremely fake and theatrical performances by them in many moments.
CGI is good for the level of TV and cinema production that exists in Brazil today, the work with the indigenous origin actors is excellent and the locations are very well chosen. The soundtrack at times is great, a shame that it is not so explored throughout the episodes, just take a look at how much the first episode of the 1st season and episode 05 of the 2nd season are enriched by this awesome soundtrack, showing once again that experienced hands would have explored this much more throughout the others episodes and given a more refined and professional treatment to such promising material.
I rate the series 6 out of 10, a good pastime that could have been a masterpiece.
The problem is that even with a great idea and good stories in hands, the scripts of the two seasons are poorly written, with forced dialogues and several flaws in the narrative and rhythm, taking away much of the quality of what could have been a masterpiece if it had fallen into the hands of a good screenwriter. An example of this is the character of Débora in the second season, even having such a rich story behind her, she is very poorly developed and confused, crossing from villain to super hero in a completely abrupt and inappropriate way without any development.
Another problem concerns the direction of actors, which cannot disguise the weakness of the dialogues and script, generating extremely fake and theatrical performances by them in many moments.
CGI is good for the level of TV and cinema production that exists in Brazil today, the work with the indigenous origin actors is excellent and the locations are very well chosen. The soundtrack at times is great, a shame that it is not so explored throughout the episodes, just take a look at how much the first episode of the 1st season and episode 05 of the 2nd season are enriched by this awesome soundtrack, showing once again that experienced hands would have explored this much more throughout the others episodes and given a more refined and professional treatment to such promising material.
I rate the series 6 out of 10, a good pastime that could have been a masterpiece.
A day late and a dollar short
A_Different_Drummer23 April 2021
Easily one of the best of Netflix' foreign crop. Superb acting and atmosphere. The major problem is the script. The protagonist, the father, is always a step behind the story, which in turn means the viewer is always a step behind. That is sloppy story-telling and makes the audience uncomfortable. A good exposition has the hero catch on earlier.
Fascinating!
gabycmonteiro22 February 2021
I absolutely loved this show. Fascinating characters, beautiful landscape, interesting storyline...way better than some other shows about fantastic creatures...makes me wonder why does brazilian movies and shows don't use these folklore characters more often...because the potential for good material is inbelivieable.
Great Potential, Poor Writing
deedrefuhrman25 February 2021
I was really excited about this series because I enjoy the fantasy and creatures. Unfortunately, The fantasy is doled out in really small portions, there is almost no character development so, you don't really care about most of the people portrayed and the lead, Eric, has the emotional complexity of a cardboard box. He actually comes off stupid and someone doesn't really understand how to react correctly in normal interactions with other people. Even his career doesn't make sense, when you look at his reactions and behavior; in real life, he would be an investigator for about a week before he was fired. All of this and more makes it very difficult to care about him and his goal to learn about what happened to his wife. In fact, it's pretty easy to start actively disliking him. This series had all the potential in the world but, unfortunately was left down by inelegant, simplistic writing.
You won't be disappointed.
doreenkk7 February 2021
We started watching show during breakfast this morning and found it to be captivating. The storyline is well written, special effects are top notch, acting spot on, camera work top tier. It pulls you in and before you realize it l, the credits are rolling. Its dinnertime and we are several episodes in.
Good, not great
bruninho-loopes14 February 2021
Brazilian TV shows have come a long way since the Globo era. Netflix has brought a refreshing new direction to the repetitive pace of the usual Brazilian soap operas. This show, Good Morning, Veronica, and 3% are true gems that stand out amongst the sea of uncreative soap operas made by traditional TV networks.
There is, however, a long way to go until we achieve the same greatness of American shows. Brazilian acting is evolving, but at the speed of baby steps. On this show, more than on the other 2 I've mentioned, I have noticed some really immersion-breaking flaws in the acting, some of which would've been really simple to fix by recording another take. It astounds me how a show with such a great story just seems like it couldn't bother re-recording some scenes to make it more immersive. Amongst the (many) acting flaws are parts where the actors say the wrong words and then correct themselves, stutter, and sometimes even stop saying a sentence in an abrupt way, as if they thought their character still had more to say, but then realized their line was over. All of those were simple fixes and they completely take the immersion away from the show, at least for me.
Hopefully those issues will be ironed out in season 2 but, for now, I simply cannot understand the people who give it a 10-star rating. I think that we should judge a show by its quality, not because it features folklore from our country and that makes us feel special.
Don't get me wrong, the show has potential and some actors, such as Marco Pigiossi (Eric), Áurea Maranhão (Márcia), and Manu Dirguez (Luna) are flawless in their acting and carry the show on the backs. Some others, however, are disappointing, especially when looking at their background as actors. I honestly did not like Alessandra Negrini's nor Fábio Lago's acting on this show, and I loved Lago's "Baiano" in Elite Squad.
All in all, it is an okay show to watch, but expect some jarring moments that are part of the evolving cinematographic industry in Brazil. Thank you Netflix for finally helping us get out of the cycle of soap operas that all look the same.
All in all, it is an okay show to watch, but expect some jarring moments that are part of the evolving cinematographic industry in Brazil. Thank you Netflix for finally helping us get out of the cycle of soap operas that all look the same.
Proud to be brazilian, proud with this show
pobremameu7 February 2021
Originality, mystery, and Brazilian fantasy folklore get mixed with reality!
Filmiarvustus29 March 2021
"Invisible City" is based on a story by best-selling fantasy authors Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhóz, and it follows detective Eric, who becomes obsessed with finding someone to blame for the death of his wife. Left alone to raise their daughter Luna, Eric's obsession draws him into a dark underworld where reality and folklore blend together. The show is a moody and atmospheric blend of horror, fantasy and folklore, that looks and sounds amazing. It has a very good premise, but the actual story gets blander the more episodes you go on and it feels extremely rushed. Being original international content, it is definitely worth viewing at least once.
WOW
ferreiranazli15 February 2021
A great representation of Brazilian folklore, bringing them to the present without losing their essence. Alessandra's performance as Cuca was spectacular, and I loved Saci and Curupira. The special effects are also great. My only criticism is that the Rythm is a little slow.
Decent first season, not great overall
fjmsoftware24 September 2023
From the very beginning this made me think it was Brazilians trying to make their own version of the mystical and awesome and unforgettable Colombian "Frontera Verde", but in the first season there wasn't much that was similar about it, the story stood on its own, and it was decent/good, a solid 7/10. It didn't really need a continuation but for some reason they made an S2, and there the similarities to Frontera Verde got more blatant and annoying, at the same time as the writing got more incoherent and boring, and along with the bad acting from a lot of the cast, this ultimately turned it into a "not particularly recommended" for me, as a whole.
But sure, do watch just the first season and stop there, if you're looking for something about environmentally conscious indigenous beliefs and mythical creatures protecting the land etc. (I just wish they had done more to explain what these creature names were supposed to mean to us viewers who didn't grow up with their stories and knew nothing about them.)
But sure, do watch just the first season and stop there, if you're looking for something about environmentally conscious indigenous beliefs and mythical creatures protecting the land etc. (I just wish they had done more to explain what these creature names were supposed to mean to us viewers who didn't grow up with their stories and knew nothing about them.)
I wanted to like this show
libby-xyz23 June 2023
This show could be so much better if the writers took the time to explain to the viewers who are not native Brazilian the mythology of the various 'entities'. The first season's flashbacks helped a little bit but the 2nd season is hobbled by the sudden appearance of these supernatural entities and really no explanation to the viewer. The script is very wooden and stilted. The actors try, but they can only do so much with a bad script and even worse direction. It would have helped if they'd used a vehicle -- say Luna's mom reading these fairytales to Luna when she was little in flashbacks. The viewer is left to try and figure out what's going on with the entities and who they are. And the story telling is disjointed. I gave up after the first couple of episodes.
Fantasy-mystery introduces teens to Brazilian folklore.
MrPupkin29 May 2021
Overall I really enjoyed the story and how it managed to keep the perfect balance between fantasy, mystery and grief. I'd certainly recommend it. However, in some scenes the acting could've been better. All the gazing especially annoyed me. I also feel like they should've given all the characters a small character arc, because now some of them ended up being quite forgettable.
Folklore in a new era
femath867 February 2021
A nice research were made to create this instigating yet direct story, entities of Brazil through time and story and people minds and myths. Many live people have stories with these beings and many believe they are real. Who am I to tell they are wrong if my grandma and aunt is of the people who cracked eggs facing Sacis and Curupiras in the deep of Brazil countryside.
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