Get the Goat

Brazilian picture Get the Goat is the fun and lighthearted Netflix feature by director Vitor Brandt whose protagonists are two clumsy cops and a goat. Bright, colourful and full of action, it is a well-delivered comedy that embraces silliness without resorting to vulgarity.

Bruceuilis – who is named after actor Bruce Willis – is a highly motivated cop with impressive fighting skills based in a very quiet town. The type of crime he comes across on an average day is, for instance, someone stealing an electric fan. He still makes the most of every opportunity and acts as if it was a life or death mission, which usually leads to all kinds of trouble with his supervisor. Another policeman named Trindade works in São Paulo and is part of a special unit taking on dangerous operations. Unfortunately, his meagre physique, as well as his fear of getting hurt, make him favour admin work and he asks to be left in the office while his colleagues risk their lives.

Both policemen end up being demoted and fate brings them together thanks to a goat. Bruceuilis is asked to look after Celestina, the mascot goat of an upcoming town festival. He takes the task seriously, but Celestina soon manages to escape. The search for the goat takes him to Trinidade and it leads the unlikely duo right to the heart of the criminal activity they had been told to stay out of. Their lack of experience means that they deal with the situation in the most comical ways. A series of gags keeps the laughs going as they try to prove their worth and finally become the heroes they have always wanted to be.

The film points to social issues like drug trafficking and corrupted politicians, but always with a humorous tone. Its chief aim is to provide the laughs and although the premise that it’s based on could potentially make for a lousy movie, Get the Goat somehow manages to be enjoyable and endearing. While it is not a first-class comedy, it is certainly worth checking out as a diverting break.

Mersa Auda

Get the Goat is released on Netflix on 18^th March 2021.

Watch the trailer for Get the Goat here: