Nobody's Looking

Nobody's Looking is a distinctive comedy series that first appeared on Netflix in 2019. This refreshing piece of television hails from Brazil and it's notable as the streaming platform’s first Brazilian sitcom. Blending humor with elements of drama and fantasy, Nobody's Looking introduces us to an intriguing universe that raises questions about destiny, free will, morality, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of life.

The storyline of Nobody's Looking begins with the protagonist named Uli, who is portrayed by Victor Lamoglia. Uli is no ordinary character; in fact, he is an "angelus," part of a group of celestial beings who watch over and guide humans on Earth. These guardians are governed by a comprehensive list of strict rules referred to as the "Manual of Duties". The manual prohibits the angelus from interacting directly with humans or tampering with their will, preventing them from making a substantial impact on the life trajectories of the humans they are tasked to protect.

On his first day, Uli is taken aback when he discovers that his angelus colleagues just stick to their manual and don’t use their powers to save humans from intervening disaster. He questions the existing order and is bewildered by his fellow angelus' lack of enthusiasm for their sacred duties which appears to be motivated more by adherence to rules than by love for the humans they've sworn to guard. Unlike the other angelus who have accepted the manual as an inviolable scripture, Uli decides to break the rules for the greater good of humanity.

He begins to interact with humans, rescuing them from adverse situations in ways that are inconceivable to his fellow angelus. This disobedience lands Uli in a lot of trouble but also leads to delightful chaos, stellar comedy, and a unique portrayal of supernatural entities who are not omnipotent, in spite of their divine nature.

One of the charming aspects of Nobody's Looking is its quirky cast of characters. The stern boss Chun, played by Augusto Madeira, contradicts the stereotypical depiction of an Almighty ruler, casting a severe yet comically human light on Uli's supervisor. Another charming angelus is Greta, played by Julia Rabello, whose emotional journey and relationship dynamics add a fascinating layer to the plot. Danilo De Moura brilliantly portrays Uli's human roommate, Sandro. The ensemble cast is well-rounded with Kika, Uli’s human love interest, played by Júlia Ianina, and Miriam, an older angelus, portrayed by Telma Souza.

The series also excels in technical execution, featuring CGI effects that could put most high-budget superhero movies to shame. Each angelus showcases a unique superpower, such as teleportation or shape-shifting, adding a splash of magic realism to the already fantastic narrative. The scenic portrayal of São Paulo, as both a bustling mega city and a celestial realm, is captivating and contributes effectively to the show's visual narrative.

Just like most great sitcoms, Nobody's Looking carefully balances light-hearted comedy with profound philosophical ruminations. It presents measured critiques of established institutions and raises thought-provoking questions about authority, autonomy, and the essence of being human. Simultaneously, it never fails to entertain its viewers, injecting comic relief in the most unexpected scenarios, and maintaining a satirical tone throughout.

In a nutshell, Nobody's Looking is a brave and distinctive addition to Netflix's international repertoire. This Brazilian comedic gem breaks the mainstream barriers of the sitcom genre, delivering an engaging narrative and profound themes with humor and heart. Despite being rooted in a complex fantasy world, it tells a universal story that would resonate with viewers around the world. Whether you are a fan of ambitious fantasy dramas or a sucker for heart-touching comedies, Nobody's Looking brings the best of both worlds in one delightful package.