In the dangerous streets of Rio de Janeiro, an elite police unit faces a constant battle against drug trafficking and corruption that infect both the favelas and the institution itself. The story follows Captain Nascimento, a tough and determined leader of BOPE, the special operations squad, who finds himself torn between his desire to secure a future for his son and his ruthless work life. With a promotion looming on the horizon, Nascimento struggles to find a replacement for his position, and his search leads him to the police academy, where he must evaluate new recruits.
As he delves into the selection process, he confronts the harsh reality of corruption within the police force itself, as well as the violent dynamics that exist between drug traffickers and favela residents. Tensions escalate when a rival group becomes an imminent threat, and Nascimento is forced to make decisions that will test his morality and humanity.
The film does not shy away from depicting the brutality of the conflict and the despair of a system that seems to have no way out. With a raw and visceral narrative, this story immerses us in a world where loyalty and betrayal are commonplace, and the price for justice may be higher than one can imagine. As chaos erupts, Nascimento must decide how far he is willing to go for the survival of his country and his family.