Caramelo (2025) | Transcript

Caramelo (2025)
Director: Diego Freitas
Writers: Diego Freitas, Rod Azevedo Vitor Brandt
Stars: Rafael Vitti, Arianne Botelho, Kelzy Ecard
Release date: The movie Caramelo premiered on October 8, 2025 via Netflix.

Plot: An endearing stray dog embarks on an extraordinary journey, forging unlikely friendships and overcoming obstacles.

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Caramelo (2025) | Transcript

[birds chirping]

[gentle music playing]

[dog barking]

[dog whining]

[gentle music continues]

[yapping]

[trills]

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

[intriguing music playing]

[cars honking]

[tires squealing]

[“Eu Não Sou Cachorro Não” by Waldick Soriano playing]

[whines]

[in Portuguese] ♪ I

am not a dog, oh no ♪

♪ To go through

such humiliations ♪

[song continues on radio]

♪ I am not a dog, oh no… ♪

[suspenseful music playing]

[growls]

[yelling in English]

There’s a dog! No!

Get out of here! Get! Get!

[mischievous music playing]

3 YEARS LATER

[dog barking]

[growling]

[indistinct chatter]

[mischievous music continues]

[engine revs]

[barks]

[man] Good morning, Ms. Leda!

[Leda] Hiya.

[man on phone] Pedro, if that woman writes a bad review, we’re all screwed.

I need that sundried meat, so find a way to get it.

Yes, chef. Don’t worry, I’ve got the meat on me now.

Not even a “good morning”?

Would it kill him to say that?

Good morning for whom?

That boss of yours sent me a really rude message today.

Tell him I won’t be supplying meat to his restaurant anymore.

Mr. Osmar, please, help me out here.

Once you’re the chef, come talk to me. Excuse me.

Hey, Josimar, get Mrs.

Rosa’s sausage, 11 pounds.

Mr. Osmar, I was thinking about you earlier.

I was like, “Man, he probably hasn’t eaten anything yet.”

Just made it today.

[whimsical music playing]

Man, this coxinha…

The ace up my sleeve.

All right. I’ll cut you some slack just for today.

Thank you, Mr. Osmar.

Sundried meat.

The last piece.

[mischievous music playing]

[grunts]

[mouthing]

Anything else?

No.

You’re the best, Osmar. You know it!

[mischievous music continues]

[dogs barking and growling]

[whines]

[mischievous music continues]

[man] What’s that dog doing here?

[woman] Look out! Look out!

[barking continues]

[bystanders exclaiming]

[man] Watch it! Watch the dog!

[mischievous music continues]

[dog barking]

[tense music playing]

[both growling]

[dog barking]

[whines]

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing on stereo]

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing loudly]

[tires squealing]

Are you blind, dude? Can’t you see we’re crossing?

[intriguing music playing]

[sighs] I’m sorry.

Just pay attention!

Come on, guys, let’s go.

Be careful crossing, some people out here don’t know how to drive!

Listen, lady, I said I was sorry, okay?

Ugh! Enough!

Have some manners too! I said sorry.

Get lost!

[intriguing music playing]

Huh?

EMPLOYEES ONLY YBAÉ RESTAURANT

[Vivaldi’s Four Seasons “Winter” playing]

[“Winter” continues playing]

[hiphop beat dropping in]

[“Winter” continues playing]

[hiphop beat continues]

[laughing] You scared me! Stop that.

Do you sleep here or what? I’m here, you’re gone, you show up when I’m leaving.

You can do other things, you know?

Go to the gym, go see a film.

Go on a date. Enjoy your life.

This is how I enjoy my life.

Come on! Kiss somebody!

I bet you don’t even remember what it’s like anymore…

[Pedro] Eat this.

Oh, wow.

Got meat in it. It’s an experiment. Not bad?

It’s amazing. Can’t believe it’s your work.

I’m thinking of showing it to Ivan. He might put it on the menu.

[laughing]

[Pedro] What?

Are you serious?

Yeah!

You’re not joking?

Come on, dude, do you think Ivan would allow a coxinha on his menu? Really?

We’re talking about the same guy?

You’re exaggerating.

There’s days when he’s in a good mood.

[tense music playing] No mistakes today!

[all] Yes, chef!

[tense music continues]

[bell dings]

[woman] Hello, how are you?

Ivan, there’s tables complaining that the food’s taking too long.

I thought you had everything under control.

No plate leaves my kitchen with a flaw, Martha.

No client leaves dissatisfied from my restaurant.

Listen to me. You know exactly what’s at stake for us today.

You cannot fail me, okay?

Pedro, the meat I asked for.

Perfect.

[tense music continues]

[ears ringing]

[ringing continues]

[ringing subsides]

[exhales]

[door opens]

[woman] Pedro!

You okay?

Yeah, just getting some air.

If Ivan sees you, you’re dead. The critic’s out there.

She is?

Yeah! Come on.

[suspenseful music playing]

Laura, a pleasure to have you back at the restaurant.

I promise you, the night will be incredible.

The starter was delicious, unsurprisingly, but Ivan is consistent.

It’s hard to fail when you’re always repeating the same old thing.

She hates the food.

I thought she praised the starter just now?

She did, but she hates it.

I know her. She did that smirk with her mouth.

And you know what?

She’s right too!

You need to surprise her.

You have to make something different for her, Ivan.

One smirk and I’m supposed to change everything?

This is my menu.

So let’s keep pushing!

Did everyone hear?

[all] Yes, chef!

[suspenseful music playing]

[paws clattering]

[chirps]

I dare her to hate this.

[dramatic music playing]

[in slow-motion] No!

[gasping comically]

[chirps]

Get that dog!

[barks]

[man] Watch out!

Calm down! Calm down!

[man] Get him!

[light jazz music playing]

How did that dog get in here?

Get him! Get him!

[dramatic music continues]

[man] Get the dog!

No!

[both grunting]

[dog whining]

You will not hurt him, Ivan.

[whines] The dog’s just hungry.

[Ivan] Stay out of this, kid.

I’ll do what I want, it’s my kitchen!

Actually, it’s mine.

Ivan, let go of the boy.

Let go of him!

Go, little dude! Go!

For God’s sake, Ivan, you better snap out of it!

Finish the plate, Laura is more important now.

Your kitchen, huh?

You do it.

Ivan.

Ivan, if you walk out that door, you can say goodbye to your career, Ivan.

Ivan!

[ominous music playing]

[footsteps receding]

[door slams in background]

[claps] Come on, guys!

[dramatic music playing]

[sighs] Fire two tempuras, two lobsters, and a soup!

Yes, chef!

[all] Yes, chef!

[Pedro] Let’s go!

What about the dish for Laura?

I’ll figure it out.

There’s no meat left, the dog took it all.

Not all of it.

One coxinha.

I’d love to ask Ivan if he did this to surprise me, you know?

May we talk directly?

Ivan got a call and had to step outside for a moment.

The chef who actually prepared the coxinha for you is our souschef.

Yes, I knew Ivan would never serve something like this.

May I talk to this souschef?

I’ll call him.

She didn’t like it. Look at her.

I think she did.

Of course. Just a moment.

She’s calling you?

Give me the dishrag.

[Pedro] I’m going.

Go ahead.

Well, this is Pedro.

Good evening.

Good evening, ma’am.

[Laura] Tell me, was it really your idea to serve a coxinha in a restaurant of this caliber?

Yes, it was.

I grew up watching my mom cook this coxinha.

And I decided to create my own interpretation of her dish with a contemporary touch.

[gulps loudly]

Courageous.

[suspenseful music playing]

[suspenseful music continues]

Everyone.

Starting today…

We have coxinha’s on the menu!

Ah!

Yes!

[cooks applauding] Congratulations.

[both laughing]

Didn’t I tell you?

[laughs] He’s the king of coxinhas!

[Martha] Pedro…

[uplifting music playing]

I want you to take this restaurant to new heights.

This is all…

All I’ve ever wanted.

Hey, buddy.

I owe you a big one, don’t I?

[chirps]

If it hadn’t been for you…

[whines]

I think you need this more than I do.

Here.

[masticating happily] Thanks, little dude.

[heartwarming music playing]

[whines]

[car door slams]

[engine starting]

[thunder rumbling]

[mother on phone] Pedro, sweetie, what happened?

[Pedro] Guess what? Your son is the new head chef at Ybaé.

Look! Chef!

[mother] Oh, sweetie…

You look so handsome, Pedro.

When things settle down at work, I’ll come see you.

Mmmhmm.

You’ve been saying that for ages and ages.

Promise.

All right, hon.

Just know that I’m very proud of you.

You know I love you.

Love you.

I love you, I love you.

Love you.

Bye.

[uplifting music playing]

[thunder rumbling] [dog howling]

[whimsical music playing]

[thunder rumbling] [howling continues]

[dog barking]

What are you doing down there?

[howling continues]

What’s all this ruckus? Jesus Christ, I’m trying to sleep!

Get that dog out of the rain, for the love of God!

[howling continues]

[barking]

Whoa, whoa, whoa! You are wet, just wait a minute!

Dude!

Well done. You’ve done it now, buddy.

[barking] Man…

Ugh…

[dog barking loudly]

[Pedro] Shh! Shh! Okay! Okay!

[growling]

Hey! Stop it! Let go! Show some respect. I got you out of the rain!

Time for a bath.

[barks loudly]

Hey!

Hey, enough, stop moving!

Yo, yo.

You smell so bad, dude. [sniffing] Geez.

You still stink, but…

Some of that stench is gone, at least.

Go on.

[sighs] So, buddy, listen up.

[chirps]

This is your water bowl.

And you’re gonna sleep here on this super comfortable bed.

Here’s the potty. The potty…

Hey! Shh! You paying attention?

Look, it’s really cute.

See how nice I am to you?

There. Come lie down.

Lie down.

It’s comfy, huh?

[whines] What is it? Are you hungry?

Okay. I’ll make us something to eat.

You’re cute.

[upbeat music playing]

There you go.

[music stops] Huh?

[upbeat music resumes]

Okay.

[ears ringing]

Ow.

[whines]

[ringing continues]

[Pedro groans]

[bark echoing loudly]

[ringing subsides]

Ah. All right, dude.

It’s a bad headache.

[tranquil music playing]

Get a good nights sleep.

Hey.

[mutters groggily]

[dog chirps]

[mischievous music playing]

What’d you…

[growls inquisitively]

What’d you do, man?

No, no, no, no! You…

[urinating] Look at this!

Come on, dude!

[feces squelching]

[mischievous music continues]

[Pedro groans]

Look at all this mess!

[growling] No!

[claps] Hey!

You trashed my place!

That’s my chef’s coat, man.

No!

[growls]

No, no!

[growling continues]

Stop right there.

Hold still.

[mischievous music continues]

[angrily] You little…

Give it back right now!

That’s my chef’s coat!

[growling continues]

Stop! Stop it! Stop it! No!

[barks] Let go!

Give it!

[music stops]

See? Doesn’t look too scary.

[whines softly] Right? Come on.

Come.

[barks]

BEST FRIEND HAVEN

[barks menacingly]

Stay calm.

[growling menacingly]

Camila, be careful, for the love of God.

Take it easy, Lu. It’s under control.

[dog barking]

Buddy, you can trust me, okay?

[growling]

[growling stops]

You’re a good boy.

She connects so well.

Ah! Apparently with others too, huh?

You new?

Yeah.

[chuckles] She prefers animals to people, so good luck.

Come with me.

Are you coming too? Are you our new customer? This way.

So, tell me, what’s this handsome boy’s name?

Pedro.

The dog.

Oh, the dog.

Yeah.

Uh, he doesn’t have a name.

Doesn’t have a name?

[laughing] How could you not have a name, cutie?

Lu, you’re not gonna believe this.

Pablo was all nervous and now he’s playing with the others.

It’s about love, that’s the magic formula.

Hey.

Hi.

Uh, do I know you already?

You almost ran us over!

Wait, what? What do you mean?

No, I just stopped short. I hit the brakes.

And you, handsome little one?

How did you end up with this bearded bad man? You can tell me.

Hmm, looks like he wants to stay with you.

Yeah, but I can’t, little dude. There’s no room for you.

In your house?

In my life.

Dogs fit in everyone’s life, you know?

That’s why they come in all sizes.

Oh, Lu, don’t insist. He’d do it if he wanted to.

And we’ll find someone who really wants to keep you, cutie boy, won’t we?

But do you think that he’ll get adopted soon?

You tell me. Why don’t you want to take him?

Adults take longer to be adopted, especially mutts.

[ears ringing]

[Lu] What’s going on?

What’s wrong?

Are you okay?

[barks echoing loudly]

[ringing continues]

[weakly] I think I need to… sit down.

[ringing fades]

[Camila] Here.

[Pedro] Stop it, dude. Thanks.

Feeling better?

Yeah, it’s just a migraine.

He keeps licking my head all day.

You’re sensing something, aren’t you?

[Lu] Mmmmmm.

[dog whines] What?

Dogs can sense things we can’t imagine.

Yeah. If I were you, I’d go see a doctor.

[whines softly]

[grave music playing]

[doctor] Pedro Dantas.

Twenty-seven years old, right?

[Pedro] Right.

[doctor] Okay, Pedro, tell me a little bit about these headaches you mentioned.

I get them basically every day.

Mmmhmm.

For the past three weeks or so, I’ve been getting these sharp pains on the left side of my head.

All right.

Doctor…

Will this take long? Everyone at the restaurant is waiting for me.

Well, Pedro, I’m afraid they’ll have to wait a little bit longer.

But why?

Uh, may I show you this picture?

May I?

Yeah.

Can you see this mass here?

Behind your left ear?

Well, this image suggests a tumor in the brain.

A cancer.

[ears ringing]

[doctor echoing] The biopsy will confirm how we proceed with treatment.

[ringing continues]

[doctor] If it’s cancerous…

Then we’ll start cancer treatments.

[unsettling music playing]

It’s unlikely that you’ll make a complete recovery.

But we can hope for remission.

[scoffs] What we need to do is focus on providing…

[ringing continues]

Pedro? Pedro?

Pedro?

Do you understand?

[ringing subsides] I…

[sizzling loudly]

BRAIN GLIOMA AN AGGRESSIVE BRAIN TUMOR

[sizzling continues]

HEADACHES, SEIZURES, NAUSEA

[sizzling loudly]

GLIOMA TREATMENT NO CURE

[flames whooshing]

[unsettling music playing]

[woman echoing] Pedro?

Pedro.

Pedro!

Pedro! It’s burning!

Ow!

God, it’s hot!

Damn it!

What’s going on?

Nothing, Paula. Everything’s fine.

You know Martha’s watching you, right? Are you okay?

Everything’s fine, go back to your station.

[knife slicing]

[Pedro wincing] Ahh!

What happened? Let me see. I’ll get a Band-Aid.

Everything’s fine. It’s just a cut. Get a glove.

[Martha] Chef.

All good?

Yes, Martha, all good.

[Laura] The knife slipped.

Yes.

Pedro, I can tell by your face you’re not fine.

And I need you here 100%.

I’m here 100%, Martha. I’m fine.

Yeah…

I…

Spent all last night working on the new menu, and I’m a bit…

When he sets his mind on something, it’s all work and no rest, right?

I just need two weeks to work on the new menu.

Not a chance, Pedro.

The restaurant can’t shut down.

I need you here working all day.

Paula can handle it.

Huh?

The current menu, yeah.

Yeah, I… I can handle it, Martha.

I’ve got it covered.

Don’t you want surprises?

Two weeks, huh?

Well, you better make this menu worth the wait.

It will be.

Paula…

Thank you.

[chopping continues]

[somber music playing]

[phone vibrating]

[mother on voicemail] Hi, hon. I dreamt about you.

How are you doing?

Tell me about your first day as chef.

[somber music continues]

MOM, I NEED

[exhales heavily]

MOM, I NEED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING

[Pedro] I have to tell you something.

I have cancer.

And it will be really hard to carry this alone.

But you knew that much, huh?

You were even trying to tell me there was something wrong by licking my head.

Thanks, buddy.

[whines softly] Here we are. Welcome to your home.

Listen here, buddy.

Since we’re doing this, we need to set some ground rules, okay?

First of all, you do your business outside.

That’s where you sleep, and do not trash my stuff.

I spent two hundred bucks on toys for you.

And no more human food, okay?

[barks] Dog food only.

Yeah. Don’t look at me like that.

Dog food, got it?

[gentle music playing]

I know this is a bunch of new information for you.

It’s new for me.

Now it’s us two.

You and me.

[chirps] Okay, come here.

Okay, okay. Shh, shh.

[whining] Easy, boy.

You’re gonna smell so good after this.

I’ll let you sleep in my bed.

[whimsical music playing]

What should we call you, huh?

Thor?

[barks] No.

Not Thor because you’re too scrawny to be a Thor.

Are you one of those dogs with a human name?

You know… Ivan?

Ivan?

[howls] That’s terrible, I’m just kidding.

What name should I give a dog that’s caramel colored?

[whining loudly]

[Pedro] Ow! Stop pulling!

Easy, boy. Easy, easy. Hey, hey, hey.

Remember, we have to stay together.

Okay? Sit.

Sit. Good boy.

See? Better.

Well-behaved.

[yips]

Much better.

[mischievous music playing]

[barking]

Caramelo!

[choir singing]

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT

[all singing in Portuguese] ♪

Transform my life, my condition… ♪

♪ I haven’t seen

daylight in so long ♪

♪ They’re trying to bury my joy ♪

♪ Trying to cancel my dreams ♪

♪ Lazarus heard His voice ♪

♪ When that stone was removed ♪

♪ After four days,

he was resurrected… ♪

[in English] Pedro! I’ve never seen you here before.

[laughs] Ms. Zélia! I… I was just passing by.

The music, uh…

[laughs] …just drew me in.

[in Portuguese] ♪ I really need a miracle ♪

♪ Remove my stone ♪

[howling]

[singing and howling continue]

♪ Resurrect my dreams ♪

♪ Transform my life ♪

♪ Make me a miracle ♪

♪ Hallelujah! ♪

[barking] [in English] Okay, Ms.

Zélia, here’s the key.

His food is over here, his collar there.

And his toys… well, they’re all over the place.

Don’t you worry.

Rest assured, my son.

We’re gonna take a walk so he can do his business, right?

Dogs are a blessing from God.

Amen.

[whines softly]

[Pedro] Hey, bud.

Today, I start my treatment.

Will you help me out?

Be nice to Ms. Zélia, okay?

Bye.

Godspeed!

You behave.

[whines softly]

[somber music playing]

CHEMOTHERAPY

[somber music continues]

[man] Pedro Dantas?

Pedro Dantas?

CHEMOTHERAPY RECEPTION

Come with me, please.

[somber music continues]

[patient] Hey.

Yo.

Having one ball doesn’t make a difference, you know.

What?

Don’t you have testicular cancer?

It’s normal at our age.

[sighs] No.

[chuckles] Ah! Your balls are safe then.

How ’bout you?

Yeah, I wasn’t so lucky.

But don’t worry, your boy can still get it.

What up?

Leo.

Pedro.

Brain glioma.

Well, Pedro, for as long as I can recall, I’ve been in and out of here.

The doctors come in, throw around numbers, chances, survival rates…

Uh, blah, blah, blah.

But I’ve seen people with a 5% chance walk out of here, and others with higher chances in the basement.

The basement means you’re dead.

I got it.

Hmm.

What matters is this up here.

[laughs] Being positive.

Oh, great.

I got a life coach.

Wonderful.

Nah, man, I’m serious.

Look, it could’ve been worse.

No, it couldn’t.

My dream just came true.

Then life knocked me out.

Yeah, I get it.

And you thought, hmm, “Well, why me?”

That’s the first thing that crosses our minds.

“Why me of all people?”

But why not you?

We’re not special because we have cancer.

Or any different, for that matter.

It’s just life.

[phone vibrating]

MOM [vibrating continues] [sighs] Haven’t told her yet?

Yeesh.

You haven’t told anyone, huh?

[somber music playing]

Hey, take this.

Come on.

It’s a flip book. Flip the pages fast and you’ll see.

[intriguing music playing]

[chuckling]

MY BALLS ARE SAFE

It’s great.

Keep it, it’s a present.

Thanks.

Welcome, man.

[Caramelo barking]

Hey! Hey, boy!

Where’s Ms. Zélia?

I’m here.

[Ms. Zélia groans]

What happened?

[Ms. Zélia] Oh, what happened?

[growls] What happened is that this dog is a demon dog!

[growling]

I fell face-first into the gutter.

If Elias from the bakery hadn’t rescued me, I’d still be there.

Ha!

He spilled all his food on the floor, look.

He didn’t eat anything.

Well, he did eat something.

And, look. Look what he did to my Bible, huh?

Ah!

[Caramelo snarling]

You’ll have to excuse me, Pedro, but I won’t take care of this animal, not a chance!

[whines]

[Ms. Zélia] Excuse me.

[whimsical music playing]

I’m the one who should apologize, it wasn’t…

Good night!

[door slams]

Didn’t I ask you to behave, dude?

[whines]

[vomiting and coughing]

[vomiting continues]

[gasping]

[groans]

[somber music playing]

[laughs weakly]

I can’t go through this alone.

[tutting]

Serena and Venus.

Have you no shame?

Come on, you’re not even a little bit guilty?

What’s the angle?

And now you’re fighting with my Pablo, why’s that?

“He has a high-pitched bark and we don’t care how he feels.”

It’s mean, guys!

That’s called bullying.

[barking aggressively]

You can’t do that! What now?

I will not argue. I won’t argue. Be quiet. Cut it out.

[barking continues]

You’re wrong! Hey, hey, hey!

Of course, Mr. Emílio.

I understand.

We just had a few unexpected costs this month, but we’ll still pay the rent, okay?

Yes, Mr. Emílio. We will pay you, and the other four months as well.

I… F… Son of a…

Whoa! The children!

[growling softly]

…baker!

He’s gonna get a lawyer, Lu.

Unbelievable! That huge son of a… bear.

[barks aggressively] He thinks he can intimidate me?

I want to see a lawyer try to shut us down.

Whoa! Not shutting down, not closing anything.

Just playing hide and seek!

Look, closed, open!

Babe, we’ve been through this before.

[whines]

I’m sure a solution will come to us.

[Camila] Great.

Just what I needed.

Again, you’re abandoning your own dog?

Lu, for the love of God, call the police.

Oh! I’m calling now. Where’s the phone?

No!

I wanted to enroll him in the dog school.

Oh! A solution!

We have several plans for you.

Silver plan, which is very silver. Gold, you don’t want that.

The diamond plan is the best, it covers training and grooming.

Want cash or credit?

Credit card.

One month in advance?

[whimsical music playing]

[dogs barking]

Hey, hey, everyone. This is Caramelo, our new student.

Remember him? You do, don’t you?

[both barking aggressively]

Serena and Venus.

No funny business, you understand?

I will separate you girls.

Look at Angelina all by herself. So behave, all right?

[both whine]

Caramelo was so lucky that you found him.

Stray dogs don’t usually make it past three years old.

Yeah.

I think that I was the lucky one, actually.

[“O Baile Todo” by Bonde Do Tigrão playing]

[growling softly]

[mouthing]

[mischievous song continues]

And sit.

That’s him.

[panting]

[laughing]

[mischievous song continues]

COXINHA, JABOTICABA, CASHEW

[mischievous song continues]

[barking aggressively]

Sit.

[all exclaiming]

Okay…

Yeah, boy!

You have to make that face. Make that face.

[mischievous song continues]

[vomiting]

[song fades]

[Pedro panting]

[phone vibrating]

[Camila] Hey, there!

I put Caramelo’s report card in his lunchbox.

See you tomorrow, yeah?

[sputters] I mean, Caramelo. I’ll see Caramelo tomorrow, right?

[water splashing]

REPORT CARD So, behavior score, one.

Well, we expected that.

[growling]

Participation, seven!

Congrats, buddy.

You’re making friends.

Nutrition, zero? Why aren’t you eating?

Come on, it’s yummy.

It’s good, look.

[crockets crunching]

No, it’s not.

[barks]

I’ll make us something to eat.

[man on TV] They’ve been on Earth for over 400 million years…

I feel like this is missing something.

…long before the dinosaurs.

And even today, they dominate the seas…

Do you like it?

Yeah, you like everything I cook.

[man on TV] Sharks.

With keen senses that detect vibrations…

What’s up?

And even a drop of blood from miles away…

[growls inquisitively]

[chuckles] Do you like sharks?

[man] These creatures are evolutionary…

[growls softly]

I adopted a weird dog.

[man] There are over 500 species, from fast hunters like the tiger shark to peaceful giants like the whale shark.

Your grandma lives by the beach, you know?

…the more we learn about these incredible creatures, the more we realize that the myths that humans have…

[tranquil music playing]

[chuckling] Hey.

Hey, sit.

[mother hums softly]

It’s gonna be hard to tell her.

So hard.

[barks]

Caramelo! Caramelo!

[mother yelping]

[Pedro] Hey!

[mother screams]

[growling]

[mother] Pedro?

Hi, Mom! Let go, man!

[mother laughing]

[growling]

[mischievous music playing]

[Pedro] Stop, stop!

[growling]

Stop it!

[mother chuckles] He’s got a lot of energy, huh?

Since when do you have time to take care of a dog?

The other day, you said to me, “Ah, Mom, oh, I don’t have time at all.”

What changed? Huh?

Hmm.

Hey…

What’s going on, sweetie?

[somber music playing]

I have cancer.

[mother sobbing]

What’s going on, sweetie?

It’s work.

Work, it’s just been tough.

Ah.

I’ve been working hard on the new menu, and I feel so… lost, ’cause the moqueca’s not coming out right.

You want my secret recipe, is that it?

Okay.

You’re gonna cook for me.

Tell me if this tastes good.

[uplifting music playing]

Yes, chef.

Ma, the food’s not for him!

[chuckling] Here, look.

[uplifting music continues]

[mother] Delicious, wasn’t it?

It sure was.

The rice was a bit too salty though.

Yeah? Huh, I didn’t notice.

Yeah.

I’ll do the dishes.

No, no, sweetie, don’t wash anything.

Let me do the dishes! Ma, come on!

Relax. I’ll just do it later.

Look, it’s beautiful out.

Take a walk with Caramelo on the beach, yeah?

Caramelo.

[growls softly]

[mother chuckling]

Beach time? Hey!

[mother laughing] Oh my goodness.

I’ll head out. Come here.

Ah! Okay, darling.

Bye. Love you.

Bye, love. I love you.

[wistful music playing]

I’ll tell her eventually, bud.

It’s just that my mom is…

She’s a happy person.

I don’t want to ruin that.

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing]

[barking loudly]

[laughing]

Yay! Caramelo!

[mischievous song continues]

Over here! Let’s go!

[hawker] Dolphins here!

Sharks! Crocodiles!

[barking]

Dolphins here!

Caramelo!

[mischievous song continues]

Caramelo!

Caramelo!

Caramelo!

[mischievous song continues]

Hey! Caramelo!

Caramelo!

Are you crazy? Stop!

Stop! No! No! No!

Drop it! Drop it! Drop it!

[song fades]

It’s not always easy, Kevinho.

Camila! Camila!

[Camila] What?

Look who’s here, who just got here.

What do I care?

Oh, please.

That’s it. You look beautiful.

Do I look cute?

Okay. Okay, thanks.

Shh. Chill. Act cool, act cool.

Ladies…

I lost Caramelo at the beach.

What?

What do you mean, Pedro?

But I got another animal for you to train.

[mischievous song resumes playing]

[ladies exclaiming and laughing]

[Pedro] Look at his little fin!

[Camila] Aww!

[Pedro] That’s right. A big, bad shark.

[Camila] Oh my God! He’s so cute!

Look at him.

He really thinks he’s a shark.

[laughing] He’s amazing.

The whole world could be ending, and they’d still be happy.

We worry so much about everything, and we hide how we feel, and…

Want to go to dinner?

What?

Yeah! Over at my restaurant.

I mean, the restaurant where I’m chef.

Let me start over.

Okay.

We’re having a tasting of the new menu, and I’d really love it if…

[Lu] I accept!

Of course!

[Lu] Uh-huh.

Yes, the two of you would be guests of honor.

Awesome!

Uh, Pedro, I don’t know if I can swing it, um…

I don’t know who I would leave the dogs with, and my schedule is already…

The schedule’s clear! I checked. It’s all clear.

We’ll have Jeova stay with the dogs, and Caramelo with his buddies, and Camila stays, uh…

I think we could absolutely use a night out.

Perfect!

[Camila chuckles] I’ll be really happy to have you there.

Thanks.

So be there or be square.

[Lu] Fantastic!

[Pedro laughs]

[Caramelo barking loudly]

Just a sec. Caramelo.

Caramelo, get down! You’re gonna break something!

[Lu] You’re welcome!

What are you up to?

What? What did I do? Calm down.

Sacrificing yourself or something?

I’m throwing myself in the fire for you.

Camila, who doesn’t like a free meal?

Or eat at a nice restaurant?

Stop messing with my love life!

Don’t you like it, Zeze?

You’re crazy.

You like free food, don’t you?

You’re totally crazy.

[expectant music playing]

[Pedro] Table four.

Fire two coxinhas, one feijoada, and two moquecas.

[all] Yes, chef!

Oh, Pedro, everyone is raving about the appetizers.

That’s great, Martha.

Did they all show up?

Yes, the restaurant is full.

So I’m counting on you.

I got it.

[laughs] Voilà!

[Paula] Hey.

That girl you told me about? She’s here.

My God.

Wow!

[laughs] I’m dying of thirst.

No, no, no!

Don’t drink from that! That goes there.

God, is this a carafe?

How could I even know that?

They trying to trick us?

[Camila] Oh, God, Lu.

Excuse me ladies. Hello.

[Camila] Hello.

May I offer some wine?

No, thank you. I’m fine.

Yes, thank you.

This wine is bio dynamic.

Bio-what?

Dynamic.

Mmm!

It pairs well with our menu.

Oh! Time to get paired, I guess!

[chuckles] She is stunning, my friend.

And that smile!

A lot of charisma, huh?

How’d you get a girl like that?

How do I look?

Huh?

Very straight.

What does that mean?

That it’s perfect for her.

That unibrow needs attention.

Next time you better listen to my advice.

I’m going. I’m going.

[indistinct chatter]

Get inside!

You’re fine!

You’ll get drunk, for God’s sake.

I’ll take those.

Pardon me, ladies.

[Lu] Ah!

Hi.

[Lu chuckling] It’s so delicious.

Whoa, there.

Uh, the dish.

Ah, true.

It’s a shame the chef can’t join us.

Right?

But I am.

From the kitchen. I’ll cook everything especially for you.

[Lu coughing]

For both of you.

Oh! That’s interesting.

Thank you, Pedro.

Well, I should get back to the kitchen, ’cause it’s literally on fire.

It’s all wonderfully delicious, Pedro. Don’t you worry.

The best is yet to come. Excuse me.

[laughing] Oh, I’m sure of it!

“Ah, it’s wonderfully delicious, Pedro.”

For once, could you not be an idiot?

“I’m delicious too, Pedro.

Who’s gonna eat well tonight?”

Shh! Don’t say that!

So, you taking her to your place?

Won’t that seem too fast?

[dings] I’d invite her.

Yeah, but you’re fast, Paula.

Well, you got me there.

Hot, hot, hot. Chef, taste check.

Needs salt.

Go ahead.

Yes, chef.

[Pedro] Oh, no.

Can we get more?

What’s this?

Oh, Pedro.

Yeah?

There’s hair on the counter.

[grave music playing]

Get me a bandana.

Thanks.

Back to work, come on.

[bell dings]

Table seven with the young ladies.

[Martha] Pedro.

The customer said it’s too salty.

Too salty?

[Martha] Yes, too salty.

That’s impossible.

I just tried it.

Paula.

Is it bad?

No, just…

Don’t lie, Paula.

It’s inedible.

[Martha] Ah!

[dark music playing]

It’s not salty.

[Paula] Yes, it is.

It’s really salty.

It’s fine, we’ve got this.

[voice echoing] Give me that. We can fix it.

[ears ringing]

Pedro, is there something…

[woman] Chef? Oh my God.

Chef!

[doctor] If everything goes well, there’s a good chance your sense of taste will return to normal after the surgery.

We’ll do everything we possibly can.

Hey.

Hey.

You okay?

I think I got too nervous.

[laughs nervously] A new menu, and with you there…

Pedro, I know about the cancer.

But…

I… I told them I was your wife so they’d let me come with you.

So what did she say?

What did the doctor say?

[somber music playing]

She told me the treatment didn’t work, that the tumor has grown, that next week they’re going to operate on my brain.

[somber music continues]

I need to go home.

[thunder rumbling]

BEST FRIEND HAVEN DOG TAXI

[somber music continues]

Pedro…

I know you don’t want to hear that it’s gonna be fine.

No, it won’t.

[somber music continues]

There’s no cure for me.

Next week, they’re going to open my skull.

And if I don’t die…

If I don’t die, I might spend the rest of my life bedridden.

I need to be alone.

[somber music continues]

Okay.

Thanks, all right?

For everything.

Yeah.

Forgive me.

[somber music continues]

[Camila sniffling]

[glass shatters] [yips]

[crying]

[thunder rumbles]

[whining softly]

[growls softly]

[bittersweet music playing]

Want to play, dude?

[growling]

Sorry if I scared you, okay?

[growls softly]

[groans] Oh, man.

[phone vibrating]

[Paula on voicemail] Pedro, I’ve been calling. You don’t pick up.

Martha hired a new chef. No one likes him.

We’re all hoping you’ll come back.

[phone clatters] What’s going on, buddy?

Answer me, please. I’m worried.

[loud knock on door] Ah, Pedro.

Are you nuts? You can’t skip chemo like that.

You scared me!

[grave music playing]

[Leo] So?

How you doing? The surgery, when is it?

Uh, how do you know?

Hard not to. Word travels fast in that place.

It’s in seven days.

Six, isn’t it? ‘Cause yesterday is over.

[laughs]

Aren’t you here to cheer me up, man?

[sighs] You got six days, Pedro.

Six days.

That’s like 100% of the life you have.

And, hey.

It’s time to leave a mark on the world.

[growls softly]

Yikes, bro. I think you’re better off cooking.

I can’t even do that anymore.

Aw, come on.

Gotta be positive!

When you get your sense of taste back, you’re gonna cook for me, okay?

Okay.

What do you want? Anything special?

[inhales deeply] Ah, I don’t know.

What about, like, those little fish balls, maybe?

Oh, come on.

It’s called caviar, right?

What’s with you and balls, man?

Seriously. You’re obsessed with balls.

[laughing] Oh, man.

But, yo, what’s up with that woman you like?

I don’t want to talk about it.

Ah…

He always this much of a wuss, Caramelo?

[growls] Why would I keep seeing her?

‘Cause you’re stressing over a future that isn’t here.

What’s important is that you’re alive today.

[bright music playing] Yo.

Here.

KEEP THE BALL ROLLING

“Keep the ball rolling.”

[bright music continues] Yeah, yours is bullshit.

It is.

[laughing] It’s beautiful. Thanks.

One month?

Hold on.

It says we only have one month to pay our entire debt?

Impossible.

What we need is a Plan B.

What Plan B? Camila, what Plan B?

We’re on Plan Z already! It’s over.

[door opens]

[Lu] We’re done.

Kevinho.

No more lying to you.

It’s over for us, okay?

[whines softly]

Let’s pack our things…

Hey, look at me. No one’s packing their bags.

We’ll find a way.

Oh, really? The banks won’t give us any more money.

I don’t know, Lu, but we’ll figure it out! We’ll just find a way!

Hey, Pedro.

Everything okay?

Everything’s…

Everything’s fine! Yeah.

And you? Are you okay?

I’m good.

No, actually, I…

I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for last night.

Gotta go.

We’re leaving, Kevinho.

Come. Let’s go.

Let’s pack our things, okay? Yeah.

How ’bout we take a walk?

[bright music playing] Yeah.

Hey.

If things go wrong, you’ll take him, won’t you?

Pedro, everything’s gonna be fine.

Camila, please say you’ll take him, okay?

Yeah, of course I’ll take him.

I’ll take care of him, even if the shelter…

What about the shelter?

Camila.

Just because I have cancer doesn’t mean you can’t share your problems with me, you know?

I know, Pedro!

Tell me, come on.

I got an eviction notice today, and…

If I don’t pay all our debts, we’ll have to leave the space.

But don’t worry, I’m gonna figure it out.

We’ll figure it out.

Together.

[bright music continues]

[hair rustling]

Oh, man! Oh, man!

[laughing]

GROOMING

Hey.

[barks]

I think you look kinda cute.

Ah!

[laughs] Thanks.

[gentle music playing]

Thank you for everything.

[laughs]

It’s amazing, you know?

No, what?

I can taste you.

You taste good.

[laughs softly]

[gentle music continues]

[growling]

[Camila] Oh!

[Pedro] Whoa! No, no, no.

[barking]

[Pedro] Be right back. Be right back.

Oh my God.

[Pedro] Let’s go, you.

[Camila] Careful.

[gentle music continues]

[gentle music fades]

[Caramelo panting and barking]

I don’t know if it’ll taste good, but we gotta eat, right?

[barks]

[whines] What’s wrong?

Ah…

It’s rotten.

How did you know that?

[whines]

Come here.

Hmm.

Impressive.

Omelet, sautéed mushrooms, and con fit tomatoes.

[Camila] Mmm!

Delicious. Mmm.

Is it good?

Mmm, it’s really good!

Yeah?

Caramelo helped me.

[barks] Thank you, Caramelo.

I made a version for him too, for dogs.

Mmm! Wow, Caramelo!

Pedro, the dog chef.

[chirps]

By the way, I have an idea.

But I can’t tell you what it is yet.

Hmm.

First, I need to take care of something important.

[wistful music playing]

[knock on door]

[wistful music continues]

[mother] Hey.

[Pedro] I…

Pedro…

A mother’s greatest embrace…

Is this here.

Covered in sugar and then deep fried.

Well, I may have lost my sense of taste, but I know how good these are.

To cook is an act of love.

We cook each meal to spread our love around.

Grandma taught that to my mother, then mother taught it to me.

And you taught me that too.

And then you will teach it to your children.

Hmm?

I want this house to be full of children!

We’ll eat fried food and laugh.

You’ll be cooking a lot for your children someday.

[chuckling]

[gentle music playing]

Thanks for everything, Ma.

Your hug is the best in the world.

Are you really sure you want to take this piece of junk?

I can make it work.

NEIDE’S COXINHA

How are we supposed to cook in here, huh?

[plate clattering] This is a tetanus shot waiting to happen.

[Pedro] So dramatic.

[Leo] Okay, so…

This crap is how you’re gonna leave a mark on the world?

Yeah.

What’s next?

Any suggestions or can I pick something?

Surprise me.

Oh, you asked for it.

No balls.

Now you’re killing my vibe, Pedro.

Balls?

Don’t even ask.

Let’s go, we’ve got a lot of work to do.

Okay, boys.

[pan clatters loudly]

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing]

[in Portuguese] ♪ Oh, it’s Caramelo! ♪

♪ Oh, it’s Caramelo! ♪

♪ Oh, it’s Caramelo! ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, it’s Caramelo! ♪

♪ Caramelo is a friend

He is no danger ♪

♪ He runs after bikers

That make loud noises ♪

♪ Brazilian Is it

mutt you call him? ♪

♪ Respect Caramelo He’s

part of our roots ♪

♪ He jumps and wags his

tail What a funny dog ♪

♪ He jumps and wags his

tail Caramelo, you rascal! ♪

♪ He jumps and wags his

tail What a funny dog ♪

♪ He jumps and wags his

tail Caramelo, you rascal ♪

♪ Oh, it’s Caramelo… ♪

PET MENU DOGXINHA

DONUTS

[song continues]

[both in English] Cheers!

[song fading]

It’s so good. This is mine.

This one’s mine.

[Pedro on speaker]

You can’t miss this!

We have coxinhas for humans.

We have dog-xinhas for dogs.

Bring your pet and help save the Best Friend Haven!

CARAMELO’S DOGXINHA

Like it?

This was my idea.

What about your surgery?

I’ve got all the time in the world till then.

Should we make coxinhas?

Better make lots of coxinhas, huh?

It’s a lot of debt.

[Camila] Wow, it looks great.

[Pedro] Doesn’t it?

It really does, it’s amazing.

[sweet music playing]

Hey, man, don’t eat that bad hospital food.

I made something special for you.

Be there soon.

Come on, Caramelo. I’ll drop you off at daycare first.

[Caramelo barks]

Come.

Oh, hey.

Yo, Sandro.

Where’s Leo?

Pedro, can we go outside and talk?

Come with me.

Leo had a pulmonary embolism.

He came to the hospital last night, but unfortunately he didn’t make it.

He seemed fine.

[voice fading] His cancer hadn’t been responding to chemo for a few years.

But as he used to say, “Homeboy could handle it.”

[dark music playing]

[stifling tears] Do you want some water?

He was my friend.

He wanted me to give you this.

Leo really liked you, Pedro.

[dark music continues]

[Leo] If you’re reading this, it’s because I didn’t have time to say the most important thing.

Bro, it’s not about leaving your mark on the world.

It’s about leaving your mark on people.

I love you, homie.

BALLS OF LIGHT

[majestic music playing]

I’m Pedro.

Brain glioma.

When I first came here, I was scared too.

But a friend taught me that what matters the most is how we face a situation.

You know?

Being positive?

Testicular cancer?

Lymphoma.

Balls are safe!

[chuckling]

[uplifting music playing]

[Pedro] I don’t know what the future holds.

I don’t know if this is gonna work.

But in the words of my friend Leo, “What matters is today.”

And I know everyone’ll give their all.

We’ll make this event a success.

We’re doing this for Leo.

We’re doing this for all the dogs…

[barking] And we are gonna save the Best Friend Haven!

That’s right!

[dogs barking]

[Camila] Let’s do it, guys! Let’s get to work!

[uplifting music continues]

HELP SAVE YOUR DOG BUDDIES AT THE BEST FRIEND HAVEN

[whines softly]

What if we fail?

[Caramelo barking]

[“Feliz, Alegre e Forte” by Marisa Monte playing]

Guess we’d better get ready!

Paula, turn the fryer on.

Turn the fryer on, Paula.

[Ms. Zélia] Come on, ladies, come on!

I brought some friends!

[Camila] Hi!

[upbeat song continues]

Two dog-xinhas!

[upbeat song continues]

[indistinct chatter]

You like it!

[all cheering]

If you need an investor, give me a call.

Hmm?

[laughs]

[music fading]

[Neide] Sweetie, I’m leaving, okay? Love you.

[blowing kisses]

[Lu] Ugh, what a day.

Should we go too?

I need to close up the trailer, clean up a couple of things.

It’s part of the ritual.

I can help if you want.

I got it. Go rest.

I’ll be there in a bit.

Caramelo will keep me company.

[Caramelo growls]

I’m sure, but hurry up, okay?

[gentle music playing]

[pan sizzling]

Quite a debut, huh, Caramelo?

Thanks for looking out for me.

[grumbles softly]

We make a pretty good team, don’t we?

Your dinner. Tell me if it’s good.

You don’t want it?

[barks]

What’s wrong?

Are you feeling sick?

[barking]

[ears ringing]

[groaning]

[spoon clatters]

[barks echoing]

[ringing continues]

[dissonant music playing]

[barks echoing]

[dark music playing]

[Caramelo whining]

[barking loudly]

[flames igniting]

[whining]

[growling]

[barks receding]

[fire crackling]

[glass clinking]

[whining]

[choral music playing]

[whines softly]

[cars honking]

[majestic music playing]

[Camila] I gotta thank you guys, you were incredible!

All the work you put in, you’re wonderful.

[Neide] We all nailed it.

[Caramelo whining]

[Camila] It’s Caramelo.

Hey, boy, what’s going on?

Where’s Pedro?

Guys, his paw is hurt.

What if something’s wrong with Pedro?

Here, take care of his paw for me.

Neide, let’s go! Come on!

[Neide] Let’s go.

God in Heaven.

[ears ringing] [sirens wailing]

[breathing slowly]

[monitor beeping]

[doctor muted] I know that it’s hard…

But try to remain calm.

The operating room is being prepped right now.

Have faith, hmm?

Pedro?

You hear me, don’t you?

Yeah.

[Neide] Oh, good.

How did I get here?

You passed out, and it was your dog who saved you.

We need to operate on you as soon as possible.

The surgery will last… approximately two hours.

What are my chances?

There is a chance you might experience long-term consequences, such as cognitive and motor impairments.

There’s just no way to tell.

I could die, right?

[softly] I’m scared.

I’m right here, my dear boy.

Everything’ll turn out okay, I know it.

Hmm?

I’ll leave you to it, all right?

[Neide sniffling]

Thank you, doctor.

Where’s Caramelo?

Pedro, Caramelo isn’t allowed in here.

Oh, hon…

I need to…

I need to see Caramelo.

I have to say thanks.

Could be my only chance.

[Camila] Here.

How about Caramelo? I talked to the person in charge, but we won’t get approval for him until tomorrow.

Listen.

Ah…

Neide.

I have a plan.

EMERGENCY

[expectant music playing]

[faint rumbling]

[dogs barking]

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing]

Run for it, Camila!

[mischievous song continues]

[dogs barking]

[whistling]

[yapping aggressively]

Fast, fast, fast, go!

[music stops]

[monitor beeping]

Honey…

[growling happily]

[Caramelo barks]

Caramelo!

[sweet music playing]

Thank you, Caramelo.

For everything.

[laughing]

[sweet music continues]

[Pedro] I love you all.

[Camila] We love you too, you know? So much.

[monitor beeping]

[Pedro] It takes a lot of courage to fight for your life, a whole lot.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

[Pedro] Because it goes by in the blink of an eye.

[Camila] Go get him!

Caramelo!

[Pedro] Day after day, year after year.

And then 12 years go by.

Who would have thought?

For someone who believed he only had seven days, I’m pretty lucky.

Breathing, feeling.

Living one day at a time.

There’s no cure yet.

But what if the cure is getting to be here?

Building a home, making plans, having dreams.

Caramelo, come back!

[Pedro] Always with you by my side, buddy.

[bright music playing]

[Pedro] Caramelo, you taught me to live for today.

The here and now.

You’ve saved me a few times.

But to be honest, it’s your love that keeps saving me every day.

It’s what reminds me of what truly matters.

CARAMELO HAVEN

[Pedro] There are encounters that have the power to change our lives, and ours was like that.

[bright music continues]

[music fades]

[man on TV] All of them play an essential role in the balance of the oceans, but despite their importance, sharks face a real threat.

Human action. Predatory fishing.

I think I know what will cheer you up.

[man singing in Portuguese]

♪ Between the sky and the sea ♪

♪ There’s a universe ♪

♪ Sweet as caramel ♪

♪ In this infinity ♪

♪ Of chance of fate ♪

♪ It’s so beautiful

to sail with you ♪

♪ I tell the wind our stories ♪

♪ And the feeling

becomes a memory ♪

♪ You healed me, you

brought me light ♪

♪ You made everything

make sense ♪

♪ Me for you, you for me ♪

♪ In every stumble,

every touch ♪

♪ I know you’ll wait for me ♪

♪ And I count the hours ♪

♪ When I see you again ♪

♪ Let me tell you how much ♪

♪ You taught me to love ♪

♪ With you, everything

is more beautiful ♪

♪ When I see you again ♪

♪ Let me tell you how much ♪

♪ You taught me to love ♪

♪ With you, everything

is more beautiful ♪

♪ When I see you again ♪

♪ Let me tell you how much ♪

♪ You taught me to love ♪

♪ With you, everything

is more beautiful ♪

♪ When I see you again ♪

♪ Let me tell you how much ♪

♪ You taught me to love ♪

♪ With you, everything

is more beautiful ♪

♪ Between the sky and the sea ♪

♪ There’s a universe ♪

♪ Sweet as caramel ♪

[singing fades]

[“Funk Do Caramelo” playing]

[song fades]