The Playoffs (Episodes 1 and 2)

Director: Cauã Reymond, Bruno Safadi

Cast: Cauã Reymond, Letícia Colin, Ricardo Teodoro, Mariana Sena, Juan Paiva 

A former football star turned agent runs from the militia, his family, and himself on the way to regaining glory.

A bankrupt former football player, Maurício’s (Cauã Reymond) best days are now firmly behind him. In an attempt to dip his toes back into the game, he becomes an agent to promising (and gullible, of course) young players. But much of the job is less about the sport and the roar of filled stadiums and more about babysitting grown men while trying to bankroll an obscenely lavish lifestyle. This riotous series, created by and starring one of Brazil’s biggest screen names, explores the little-seen underbelly of Brazilian football, pushing ethics to their very limits as Mauricio dodges an increasingly violent militia, tries to corral hormone-fuelled footballers, and escape the overbearing shadow of his father. Screening a few weeks before the FIFA World Cup, this is the perfect primer. (RAFA SALES ROSS)