Nov. 6, 2025
By Madelyn Scherzer
Staff Writer
Heartwarming and heartwrenching, the Portuguese-language film “Caramelo” tells a story of soulmates: Caramelo (Amendoim), an abandoned mixed-breed dog living as a stray in São Paulo, Brazil, and a sous-chef named Pedro (Rafael Vitti), who go from strangers to inseparable companions.
They initially meet at a local market when Pedro helps Caramelo steal food from a meat stand. The pair meets again when Caramelo sneaks into the kitchen where Pedro works. Caramelo takes a dish specifically prepared for a food critic, which infuriates the head chef, Ivan (Roger Gobeth). As Ivan is about to attack Caramelo, Pedro steps in and saves him, which is the first indication of their special bond.
They continue to be drawn to one another until their connection becomes too powerful to ignore. While they are still getting to know each other, Caramelo helps detect a tumor inside Pedro’s brain by licking his head to signal a problem.
With input from his newfound friends, the owners of the local dog shelter, Pedro seeks medical attention. Unfortunately, Caramelo’s instincts are correct, putting all of Pedro’s dreams, as well as his life, at risk.
This movie perfectly showcases the theme that people and pets enter each other’s lives when they need each other most.
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Pedro thrives at work and in his personal life, being named head chef and entering a romantic relationship with Camila (Arianne Botelho), one of the shelter owners. He also develops a friendship with Leo (Bruno Vinícius), a fellow cancer patient who teaches him how to live in the present and cherish the time he has on earth.
This movie stands out because of its emotional plot and Vitti’s outstanding performance, as he exhibits an impressive range of emotions throughout the film.
Likewise, Amendoim, the dog who plays Caramelo, captivates audiences by showing his emotion and displaying superior training in every scene he is in. Coincidentally, Amendoim was also a stray. According to the entertainment news website Soap Central, Amendoim wandered onto a production company set like Caramelo wandered into the market where he and Pedro met.
This movie perfectly showcases the theme that people and pets enter each other’s lives when they need each other most. Whether saving Pedro in a dire situation or providing emotional support while Pedro undergoes his cancer treatments, Caramelo offers his owner just as much support as he receives.
“Caramelo” can be categorized as a love story, showcasing the love between a man and his dog, the love of family and friends and the love between a man and a woman.
Although its cancer-related subject matter can be triggering, the movie touches every viewer’s heart. So, if you’re looking for an engaging film and are willing to shed some tears, “Caramelo” is for you.
