A Brutal Pact - The Murder of Daniella Perez

1992. After a desperate search through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, the body of 22-year-old rising telenovela star Daniella Perez is found in the remote outskirts of the city, shocking friends, family, and legions of dedicated fans. Later, after police narrow in on a suspect in Daniella’s inner circle, a larger-than-life tale of deceit, jealousy, and revenge emerges.

In the days following Daniella’s death, police work to coax a confession out of her on-screen love interest, 23-year-old actor Guilherme de Pádua. As an increasingly bizarre story unfolds, questions arise over the potential involvement of Guilherme’s pregnant wife, Paula Thomaz, and whether Daniella’s death was premeditated or a twisted act of passion. Later, interference from investigators and a victim-blaming media frenzy blur the lines between fiction and reality.

In a desperate bid to bring her daughter’s killers to justice, telenovela writer Glória Perez works to recreate Daniella’s final hours. After tirelessly piecing together testimony from those who witnessed Guilherme’s dangerous obsession with his co-star firsthand, Gloria rallies a nation to fight for the victims of violent crime.

After an eyewitness places Paula at the crime scene, Guilherme’s story about his wife’s involvement begins to shift, revealing shocking details about their sordid past and the ritualistic nature of their crime. As the couple takes their fight to the media, Guilherme’s motivations become the main focus.

1997. As Daniella’s murder trial begins, Guilherme and Paula each detail the cruel and callous nature of their crime. In the years that follow, Daniella’s extended network of family, friends, and fans continue to mourn the actress, while also celebrating her legacy. Then, after her daughter’s killers reenter society, Glória reflects on a life cut short – and the failings of the Brazilian justice system.