Netflix’s latest feel-good flick, “Caramelo,” hit the streamer on Tuesday, October 8, and it’s already fetching raves for its blend of belly laughs, kitchen chaos, and canine companionship. This Brazilian import, directed by Diego Freitas (“Beyond the Universe”), spotlights the unlikely bromance between a terminally ill chef and a mischievous stray dog, serving up a dramedy that’s as comforting as a warm bowl of feijoada.

At its core, “Caramelo” follows Pedro (Rafael Vitti), an ambitious young chef on the cusp of opening his dream restaurant in São Paulo. Life’s menu takes a sour turn when a routine checkup delivers a gut-punch diagnosis: a terminal illness that derails his plans and leaves him questioning everything. Enter Caramelo (played by the real-life rescue mutt Amendoim), a caramel-colored “vira-lata caramelo” – Brazil’s iconic street dog known for tipping trash cans and stealing hearts. Abandoned as a pup and full of street-smart spunk, the dog sneaks into Pedro’s life during a sausage heist gone wrong, sparking an instant, tail-wagging connection.

What follows is a road-trip romp laced with poignancy. Pedro, reeling from his prognosis, adopts the energetic pooch – renaming him Caramelo for his golden-brown coat – and enrolls him in obedience school to curb his food-fueled antics. But the dog’s boundless loyalty becomes Pedro’s lifeline, pulling him into adventures that rediscover joy in the everyday: impromptu beach barbecues, heartfelt talks with old flames, and a climactic kitchen showdown where Caramelo’s chaos saves the day (and a critic’s palate). The script, penned by Freitas, Rod Azevedo, and Vitor Brandt, balances humor – think a mutt devouring a gourmet dish mid-service – with raw emotion, exploring themes of resilience, second chances, and the unspoken language between humans and their four-legged friends.

Vitti, a soap opera heartthrob turned film lead, brings quiet vulnerability to Pedro, trading his usual charisma for a man humbled by fate. Amendoim steals every scene, his real-rescue backstory adding authenticity; the pup was found malnourished on set and trained with play-based methods by experts Luis Estrelas and Mike Miliotti (“Garfield”). Supporting turns from Arianne Botelho as Pedro’s supportive love interest, Noemia Oliveira as a wise mentor, and a cameo by chef Paola Carosella ground the whimsy in Brazilian culture. Freitas, drawing from the nation’s love for “caramelo” strays – now a symbol rivaling soccer – infuses the film with vibrant São Paulo backdrops and a soundtrack of bossa nova-tinged tunes.

Clocking in at 97 minutes, “Caramelo” is Migdal Filmes’ first Netflix collab, produced by Iafa Britz with a modest budget that punches above its weight through practical effects and on-location charm. Early buzz calls it a “superproduction” for Brazil, celebrating the human-pet bond in a post-pandemic world craving uplift. The trailer’s viral clips – Amendoim’s soulful stares and Pedro’s tearful confessions – have amassed 5 million views, tapping into the “dog movie” formula that fueled hits like “A Dog’s Purpose.”

Critics are mixed but mostly paws-itive: Variety praised its “infectious warmth,” while some note predictable beats echoing “Marley & Me.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at 82% fresh, with audiences gushing over the ending – a spoiler-free twist on loss and legacy that avoids clichés. For animal lovers, it’s a timely nod to Brazil’s stray crisis, where “caramelos” embody national grit amid economic woes.

Available in dubbed and subtitled versions, “Caramelo” fits Netflix’s push for global stories, joining “The Queen of Flow” in highlighting Latin American gems. Whether you’re a foodie, a fur-parent, or just need a mood boost, this one’s a treat. Fetch the remote – Pedro and his pal are waiting.