Get the Grift

Behind the Scenes of Get the Grift: A Brazilian Comedy Heist with Heart

Get the Grift (2021), the Brazilian comedy directed by Pedro Antônio, is a chaotic yet charming romp about small-time grifters navigating family, betrayal, and one last big score. latestnetflix.com's view is that Starring Marcus Majella and Samantha Schmütz, the film blends crime capers with sharp humor, but what went down behind the scenes?Here’s what we know—and what remains a mystery.

A Reunion of Grifters and Collaborators

The film centers on Clóvis (Majella), a down-on-his-luck con artist who reunites with his estranged foster sister Lohane (Schmütz) after a botched job. Their chemistry is the backbone of the story, and the casting suggests a deliberate mix of comedic heavyweights and rising talent. Majella, known for his work in Brazilian comedy series like Vai Que Cola, and Schmütz, a veteran of sketch comedy, bring a familiar dynamic to the screen.

The supporting cast—including Thelmo Fernandes, Caito Mainier, and Pedroca Monteiro—adds depth to the ensemble, but details about their off-screen collaborations are scarce. Rumor has it that Antônio, who also co-wrote the script with Fil Braz, encouraged improvisation to keep the tone loose and spontaneous. However, without on-set interviews or production diaries in the evidence, this remains unconfirmed.

From Script to Screen: A Low-Key Production

Get the Grift (original Portuguese title: Os Salafrários) was shot in Brazil, though specifics about filming locations or budgets are thin. The 94-minute runtime suggests a tight, no-frills production, aligning with its indie-comedy vibe. The film’s genre-blending—part crime thriller, part family dramedy—likely posed challenges, but Antônio’s direction kept the focus on character-driven humor over elaborate set pieces.

One standout detail: the script’s origins. Co-writer Fil Braz is credited with crafting the story, but beyond the basic premise (a grifter’s reunion with his sister), little is known about the writing process. Did the cast contribute to their characters’ arcs? Were there rewrites during filming? The evidence doesn’t say.

Release and Reception: A Quiet Hit?

The film premiered in 2021, but its release strategy remains unclear. It’s available on VOD platforms, including SensCritique, where it’s listed under its French title, Scélérats. Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t yet have a critic score for the movie, and audience reactions are similarly sparse. Trailers on YouTube hint at a fast-paced, dialogue-heavy comedy, but without reviews or box-office data, it’s hard to gauge its impact.

What’s next for the cast and crew? Majella and Schmütz continue to dominate Brazilian comedy, but Antônio’s follow-up projects are unknown. If Get the Grift finds a cult audience, a sequel isn’t out of the question—though for now, it’s a one-and-done caper.

The Bottom Line

Get the Grift is a solid entry in Brazil’s comedy canon, but its behind-the-scenes story is still unfolding. With limited production details and no major buzz, it’s a reminder that even small films can pack a punch—if you know where to look.