What’s it called?
Nobody’s Looking
What’s it about?
This slick and stylish Brazilian comedy for Netflix follows a young man called Ulisses during first few days in a new job, the difference being that Ulisses is the first Guardian Angel to be created by “the Chief” in 300 years and his job is take a daily assignment – protect a specific human from harm – then fill out a report which is filed by his supervisor, Fred. Being a curious sort of Guardian Angel, Ulisses has soon broken two of the four Angel Rules. First he helps a human he isn’t meant to, second he ventures into the Chief’s office. And what does he find there? A hamster on a wheel powering a room full of what look like lottery balls which in turn spit out the daily duties for him and his fellow angels. In other words there is no chief, and no omnipotent being watching over humankind.
What’s so good about it?
It’s clever, slick, funny and satirical and the set design is amazing. The best Brazilian comedy about red-haired angels you’ll see either this year or next.
Fun fact …
Ulisses’ patch is the 5111th District, a reference to the international dialling code for Brazil and 11, which is the code for Sao Paolo where the show is set.
Best bits
“If no one can see us, why do we have to wear ties? Ulisses asks, showing that Nobody’s Looking is as neat a satire of the modern workplace as it is of religion. There’s also a winning swipe at Hollywood’s depiction of angels when Fred tells Ulisses that if he misbehaves he’ll have to watch the Nic Cage film City Of Angels for all eternity.
For fans of ...
Russian Doll, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Matter Of Life And Death, Wings Of Desire, Brazil
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here