You know that feeling when you finish a movie and just stare at the ceiling for twenty minutes? That's the vibe with Beyond the Universe (or Depois do Universo if you're watching the original Portuguese version). It hit Netflix a while back and honestly, it’s one of those rare tear-jerkers that doesn't feel like it's just trying to manipulate you into sobbing. It feels real.
The story follows Nina, a talented pianist played by Giulia Be, who is dealing with lupus. Specifically, her kidneys are failing. She’s stuck in this cycle of dialysis, waiting for a transplant that might never come, and she’s basically given up on her dreams of playing with the Symphony Orchestra in São Paulo. Then Gabriel (Henrique Zaga) shows up. He’s one of the residents on her medical team. It sounds like a total cliché, right? Doctor falls for patient. But the movie handles the power dynamic and the tragedy with a surprising amount of grace.
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People are still searching for this movie because it captures a very specific kind of "Carpe Diem" energy that resonates when the world feels heavy. It isn't just about a girl with a disease; it’s about the terrifying risk of actually living when you know your time might be short.
What Beyond the Universe gets right about Lupus and Chronic Illness
Most Hollywood movies treat illness as a plot device. A character coughs once, and suddenly they're in a hospital bed with a single tear rolling down their cheek. Beyond the Universe is different. It actually shows the grind.
Nina’s life is defined by the dialysis machine. If you’ve ever known anyone going through treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), you know it’s not just "being sick." It’s a full-body war. The film shows the exhaustion, the bruising, and the psychological toll of being a young person whose body is essentially attacking itself.
The medical accuracy is decent, though obviously, it’s a movie, so things move a bit faster than they would in a real Brazilian hospital. Gabriel, the resident, encourages her to keep playing the piano. This isn't just "feel-good" fluff. There is actual medical literature—studies from places like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins—that discuss the impact of psychological well-being and creative outlets on the quality of life for chronic kidney disease patients. Nina's piano playing is her lifeline.
The Chemistry of Giulia Be and Henrique Zaga
Let’s talk about the leads. Giulia Be is actually a singer-songwriter in real life. This was her acting debut. Usually, that’s a red flag. But she brings a rawness to Nina that a "polished" actress might have missed. She actually wrote the titular song, "Depois do Universo," which is a banger if you like sweeping, emotional ballads.
Henrique Zaga, who you might recognize from The New Mutants or 13 Reasons Why, plays Gabriel with a sort of frantic optimism. He’s the son of a strict doctor, and he’s rebelling by being "too" empathetic. Their chemistry works because it feels hesitant. It’s not a "love at first sight" explosion; it’s a slow realization that they’re both scared of the future for different reasons.
Why the Ending of Beyond the Universe Hits So Hard
I’m not going to spoil every frame, but we have to talk about the emotional weight of the third act. Most romance movies give you the "Happily Ever After" or the "Tragic Death." This movie knda does both in a way that feels spiritually heavy.
The title, Beyond the Universe, refers to the idea that love isn't bound by time or physical presence. It’s a bit metaphysical. Gabriel takes Nina to climb a mountain—a massive risk for her health—and it symbolizes the peak of her reclaiming her life.
The tragedy in the film isn't just about Nina’s kidneys. It’s a reminder that life is incredibly fragile for everyone, not just the people in the hospital. When the "twist" happens, it shifts the focus from "will she survive?" to "how will she live with the time she has left?" It’s a gut-punch. If you didn't cry when she finally played on that stage, you might be a robot. Honestly.
The Cultural Impact of Brazilian Cinema on Netflix
Brazil has been churning out some incredible content lately, and Beyond the Universe is a prime example of why international films are dominating the "Discover" feeds. It’s visually stunning. The way they shoot São Paulo makes the city look both massive and intimate.
The film doesn't try to look like a Los Angeles production. It has a specific Brazilian soul—the music, the family dynamics, the way people talk to each other. It’s part of a larger trend where "Sorrowful Romance" (think The Fault in Our Stars) is being localized with much more grit.
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Addressing the Misconceptions
One thing people get wrong about this movie is thinking it's a documentary-style look at the Brazilian healthcare system (SUS). While the SUS is mentioned, the movie is a fairytale. In reality, the waitlist for a kidney transplant in Brazil can take years. The movie compresses this for drama.
Also, some critics argued that Gabriel’s behavior is highly unethical. And, well, yeah. In the real world, a doctor dating their patient is a massive violation of professional ethics and would likely result in Gabriel losing his license. The movie brushes past this because it's a romance, but it's worth noting if you're looking at this from a real-world perspective.
Actionable Insights for Fans of the Movie
If you’ve watched Beyond the Universe and you’re looking for what to do next, don't just sit in your feelings.
- Check out the Soundtrack: Giulia Be’s music is genuinely good. Listen to "Depois do Universo" in both Portuguese and English to see how the lyrics change the vibe.
- Learn about Lupus: If the movie moved you, check out organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America. It’s a misunderstood condition that affects millions, mostly women.
- Explore Brazilian Romance: If you liked the vibe, look for movies like Ricos de Amor (Rich in Love) or Cidade Invisível (Invisible City) if you want something with more fantasy.
- Organ Donation: The film highlights the desperate need for donors. Regardless of where you live, looking into your local organ donation registry is a practical way to honor the themes of the story.
The movie reminds us that "Beyond the Universe" isn't a place, it’s a state of being. It's the legacy we leave behind in the people we've loved. It’s a heavy watch, but it’s a necessary one for anyone who needs a reminder to stop waiting for "the right time" to start living.
Next Steps for Viewers:
To truly appreciate the artistry behind the film, watch the "Making Of" featurettes often found in the "Trailers & More" section on Netflix. Pay close attention to how Giulia Be prepared for the dialysis scenes; she spent significant time in actual clinics talking to patients to ensure her portrayal wasn't a caricature. This dedication is exactly why the performance feels so grounded despite the heightened romantic plot.