Barbarash thrusts us into the chaotic and colorful atmosphere of the sprawling favela in Rio, little kids playing soccer, teeming warrens of fruit stands, little shrines for the dead stuck in the walls, blue-green waves crashing on the beach at the end of every alley. It is a crowded and suspicious community, harassed by the police force, and untrusting of outsiders. Falcon teams up with Officer Da'Silva (Millie Ruperto), who works security in the favela. She knows everybody and tries to build trust with the residents. Her compassionate outlook stands in stark contrast to Tiagho Santo (Jimmy Navarro), a Rio cop with a messianic complex who refers to the people in the favela as "animals" and savages", guilty until proven innocent.