There are four seasons to binge-watch on Netflix (Image: Netflix)
Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale are still mourning the end of the dystopian thriller and are searching for their next TV obsession – though they may not need to look too far afield.
Thriller fans are just captivated by this lesser-known dystopian offering, titled 3%, featuring a young ensemble cast set within a distinctive offshore society.
The 2020 Netflix production has accumulated a wealth of glowing ratings since its debut, with viewers declaring it to be “Tremendously Underrated”.
One IMDb review says: “I was really surprised by the fact that this show is really unknown. It is a great TV series that definitely deserves more recognition.”
Another said: “Cinematically and visually stunning, a political, Hunger Games-esque storyline with believable acting, and I thought very interesting, lifelike characters. The script is intelligent, the characters are strong, and the interaction is elegant in its simplicity and natural air.”
Viewers are comparing it to The Hunger Games (Image: N)
The premise of the Brazilian thriller centres on just 3% of society living in luxury upon an island, while the remainder of the population endures a life of poverty on the mainland.
On reaching the age of 20, ordinary citizens are granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the privileged 3% through a gruelling competition known as ‘the process’
Created to be challenging and possessing the capacity to eliminate its contestants, the competition ends with the majority of its participants returning to impoverished circumstances – occasionally too weakened to even survive.
While the series hails from Portugal, many English-speaking audiences have become captivated by the programme, eagerly following each instalment through subtitles or a dubbed alternative.
One audience member even labelled the programme a “rare gem”. They posted: “3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3, so far, is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet, which, let me tell you, is absolutely saying something!”.
“The world continues to be fleshed out, and the already quite complex characters are only getting more interesting. Do yourself a favour; watch at least to episode three before you pass judgement. You won’t regret it!”.
Another added: “This is truly an outstanding dystopian/post-apocalyptic series. The acting, the shots, the pace, the character development, the storyline… Everything is on point! Seasons 1, 2 and 4 were, for me, all riveting.”
Featuring a Brazilian ensemble, the performers in this production are comparatively unknown yet deliver an “outstanding” display, according to audiences. João Miguel portrays Ezequiel in the programme, the leader of the Process, alongside Bianca Comparato, who features as Michele Santana, and Michel Gomes as Fernando Carvalho.
Discussing the performances in 3%, one viewer revealed: “I watched this out of boredom, but boy, was I glad that I did. It totally caught me off guard by how wonderful this show was. It is intelligent, futuristic, and well acted; all in all, absolutely amazing.”
3% is currently available to stream on Netflix.