Almost 50 years after the murder that exposed machismo in the country, the new HBO Max production revives the story of Ângela Diniz
Five decades after one of the most emblematic crimes in Brazilian history, the launched this Thursday (13) “Ângela Diniz: Assassinada e Condenada”, a series that reconstructs the trajectory of the Rio socialite shot to death by her then partner, Doca Street, in 1976. The production delves into the behind-the-scenes of a case that exposed gender inequalities and influenced the fight for women’s rights in the country.
Inspired by the podcast, from Rádio Novelo, the series revisits the trial that scandalized Brazil, not only because of the brutal crime, but because of the way in which Ângela was transformed from victim to defendant. The narrative shows how Angela’s independence and free life, considered daring for the time, ended up being used against her in court, in an attempt to justify the murder with the controversial thesis of legitimate defense of honor.
The story gains strength with in the role of Angela and as Doca Street, accompanied by a strong cast that includes Antônio Fagundes, Thiago Lacerda, Camila Márdila, Yara de Novaes, among other renowned names. It is directed by Andrucha Waddington, and the script is written by Elena Soárez (“The Mechanism”, “Children of Carnival”).
One crime, two trials — and a historic turning point
The murder took place on December 30, 1976, at Ângela’s beach house in Búzios (RJ). After an argument, Doca Street shot his partner four times. The case made headlines across the country and, at trial, the defendant claimed that he had acted in defense of his honor. The jury accepted the argument, and Doca was sentenced to just two years in prison, a sentence that generated commotion and revolt.
Popular outrage boosted feminist movements and led the case to a new trial in 1981, when Doca received a 15-year prison sentence. The episode became a landmark in the discussion about gender-based violence and equality before the law. In 2023, the Federal Supreme Court officially declared the thesis of “legitimate defense of honor” unconstitutional, recognizing its sexist and discriminatory nature.
More than reconstituting a crime, “Ângela Diniz: Murdered and Condemned” proposes a reflection on Brazilian society and how it deals with women who dare to live outside the standards. The production revisits the past to provoke the present, remembering that, although the case is almost 50 years old, the discussions it raises remain urgent.
The first two episodes of “Ângela Diniz: Assassinada e Condenada” are now available on HBO Max. The following chapters arrive weekly on the platform, always on Wednesdays:
- Episodes 1 and 2: available from November 13th
- Episode 3: premieres November 20
- Episode 4: premieres November 27
- Episode 5: Premieres on December 4th
- Episode 6 (final): premieres on December 11
