Review: Is The Secret Agent Another Triumph for Brazilian Cinema?

Civil War’s Wagner Moura returns to his homeland to lead The Secret Agent, a gripping political thriller set during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The film follows a former professor who finds himself caught in the crosshairs of an authoritarian regime, forced to flee persecution while attempting to resist the system closing in around him.

Since premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, The Secret Agent has gone on to win several major awards and has now received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Wagner Moura), Best Casting, and Best International Feature Film. Honestly, I wish I had seen this before making my favourite non-horror films video, because it has now overtaken Sentimental Value as my favourite international film of 2025.

The story is completely gripping, following this character’s journey with relentless momentum. I was also impressed by how well-developed and engaging the supporting characters are, each adding texture and emotional weight to the narrative.

After finding I’m Still Here to be something of a slow burn, I was slightly worried this film might tread similar ground. Thankfully, The Secret Agent is quite the opposite. Despite its long runtime, the pacing is excellent — there’s always something happening, and the film never allows itself to drag. While it shares a similar historical backdrop to I’m Still Here, I found The Secret Agent to be far more accessible and immediately engaging for a wider audience.

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s direction is nothing short of outstanding. He crafts something truly special here, with striking cinematography and rich production design that make the film a visual spectacle. The editing deserves particular praise, keeping the narrative tight and propulsive while smoothly guiding us through the story.

Wagner Moura delivers an exceptional lead performance that anchors the entire film. I’m genuinely glad to see him leading a project of this scale, because this role showcases just how much range he has as an actor. His Golden Globe win was more than deserved — this is a commanding, emotionally layered performance.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Udo Kier makes a memorable impression in what appears to be his final role, ending his career on a high note. However, the real standout is Tânia Maria, who is absolutely magnetic every time she’s on screen. I only wish she was receiving the same level of recognition as Moura, because her performance is phenomenal.

Overall, The Secret Agent exceeded my expectations and has firmly secured a place in my top 10 films of 2025. With its powerful performances, gripping screenplay, stunning cinematography, meticulous production design, sharp editing, and confident direction, it stands as one of the year’s most impressive films. I’m genuinely hoping it brings Brazil its second consecutive Best International Feature Oscar.

For me, The Secret Agent earns a 10/10 and 5 out of 5 stars.

What did you think?

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