If you’re a fan of heartwarming foreign language films, you likely already know that Netflix is a premier destination. The streamer’s Brazilian drama, Caramelo, officially released on Oct. 8, and rapidly courted a massive viewership across the platform. In the film, a promising young chef by the name of Pedro meets an adorable caramel-colored dog, whom he adopts under the name Caramelo. This unexpected companion grows from a common kitchen nuisance to a true friend, and ultimately has a serious emotional impact on Pedro’s future. Based in São Paulo, Brazil, Rafael Vitti stars alongside an adorable canine in a tale that embodies the age-old adage “who adopted who?” Since the dynamic between the man and his pup is so sincere, many viewers have begun to wonder if Caramelo is based on a true story. Luckily, we’ve got the scoop on the tearjerking film, in order to fill you in on all the important behind-the-scenes info.

If you’re interested in learning more about the plot, characters and backstory of Caramelo, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline the film’s narrative and uncover any potential sources of inspiration behind the production. If you’re looking to go into the film completely blind, be sure to read ahead with caution, as there will be some spoilers ahead. Still, this tale of unconditional love and the healing power of friendship isn’t really the kind of story that gets ruined when you know what’s around the bend.

Is ‘Caramelo’ based on a true story?

Since many fans felt that the emotional core of Caramelo was too raw to fabricate, it may come as a surprise to learn that the film is entirely a work of fiction. Writer-director Diego Freitas has made it clear that the characters and plot are not borrowed from any existing works. However, their relationship draws inspiration from many tales of rescue animals and their owners.

The filmmaker himself has a caramelo dog, which is also colloquially known as the “caramel trashcan-tipper.” These dogs are native to Brazil and have experienced a viral moment in the lead-up to Caramelo’s production. During a December 2024 discussion with AP News, Freitas explained his decision to utilize this breed in his film, stating, “The caramelo ended up becoming the great symbol of Brazil, a symbol for the people. Netflix was sensitive to what’s happening with the zeitgeist. The caramelo is the spirit of our time.”

In the film, Pedro trains Caramelo as he gets his food truck up and running, all while experiencing bizarre neurological symptoms. For a while, he ignores these warning signs until Caramelo’s nagging convinces him to seek a medical diagnosis. In a shocking turn of events, it becomes clear that the dog could sense an undiagnosed illness within its owner, saving Pedro’s life in the process.

While there are no identical stories that serve as a direct inspiration for the film, this concept has been known to happen in the real world. Dogs, cats, and other animals sometimes exhibit an otherworldly understanding of human health, allowing them to gravitate toward patients who don’t even know that they’re sick. Depending on your personal beliefs, this could be explained by something scientific, something vibrational or something spiritual within our furry friends. As Freitas explained during the aforementioned AP News interview, his film is “a story that I hope is worthy of the dogs, because they are incredible. They change our lives.”

Does Pedro die in ‘Caramelo’?

Throughout the run time of Caramelo, Pedro faces a life-changing medical diagnosis that threatens his dreams and forces him to confront his own mortality. As the film carries on, he faces rapidly deteriorating health and emotional struggles. During the climax of the film, Pedro nearly dies from a sudden onset fainting spell, causing Caramelo to leap into action. The empathetic pet manages to alert the authorities in time to rush Pedro to the hospital, where he must undergo emergency surgery. Thanks to a little help from his friend and business partner Camila, Pedro is able to thank Caramelo in person before going under the knife, knowing it might be the last chance he gets to say goodbye.

Luckily, Pedro does not die in the movie. Instead, he wakes up from a successful surgery and continues to live out his days with his trusted pup by his side. Even still, Pedro’s condition is considered incurable, meaning he might face additional health complications down the road. This inspires him to live each day like it’s his last, and spend more time with his loved ones and less time stressed about the small stuff.

Before the credits roll on Caramelo, we see that Pedro and his titular dog have grown old together, alongside Camila. The trio spends their days going to the beach and managing a dog-friendly eatery, where Caramelo can meet and play with an array of new furry friends. With Caramelo growing old at the end of the film, and Pedro’s health still in question, it seems clear that neither of them has much time after the narrative concludes. Still, they were able to give each other so much love and life that the movie ends on a happy and upbeat note.

‘Caramelo’ ending explained

The emotional climax of Caramelo reveals that the bond between Pedro and his pup was never about curing the mysterious disease. Instead, it was about transforming loneliness into shared meaning. The final scene, set in Pedro’s cozy restaurant, shows a wall of photos capturing their shared memories. The ending affirms that love can anchor someone through adversity, and that no matter what comes, the connection they built endures. It closes with the quiet image of Caramelo sleeping peacefully under the warm kitchen lights, which stands as a perfect symbol of loyalty and peace.

Since the film ends on such a happy note, it’s no surprise that Caramelo has already become a runaway hit with foreign and domestic audiences alike. Not only does the Netflix movie have rave reviews on all the major aggregates, it has also become the inspiration for the new Chevy Tracker Caramelo SUV. According to a recent press release from General Motors, “The new Chevrolet Tracker 2026 Premier has been released in a unique version in Caramelo BR, which will be offered in an online auction. Interested users can register on the official website to receive the latest news on event dates and details. All proceeds will go to the Caramelo Institute, an organization that works to rescue animals and promote responsible adoption.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is in the cast of Caramelo on Netflix?

The cast includes Rafael Vitti as Pedro and Amendoim the dog as Caramelo. Supporting actors include Arianne Botelho, Noemia Oliveira, Kelzy Ecard, Bruno Vinícius, Ademara, Roger Gobeth, Olívia Araújo, Carolina Ferraz and Cristina Pereira. Many of the cast and crew were inspired to adopt their own dogs while working on the film, with Amendoim serving as a representation of millions of these adorable caramel-colored fur babies.

What did Caramelo score on Rotten Tomatoes?

At the time of this writing, Caramelo has received a whopping 93 percent score on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter. Audiences seem to be raving about the film, as evidenced by the numerous brand tie-ins, watch hours and social media posts surrounding the title.