The Secret Agent (2025)

The key to making a successful political thriller is to maintain a taught sense of mesmerizing, edge-of-the-seat intrigue. Unfortunately, that’s precisely the element that’s missing in this overlong, annoyingly convoluted tale set in 1977 Brazil during the waning days of its military dictatorship. The story follows the life of Armando (Wagner Moura), a former university researcher targeted for manipulation and framing by a corrupt, influential businessman (Luciano Chirolli) when the educator refuses to play ball with him. This, in turn, leads to a death threat against Armando, who must do what…

This film looks great. Brazil is such a cool place. I want to go live in this time...but as a rich white guy visiting who doesn't have to deal with the apparent horrors. Perhaps we could do a The Secret Agent 2 starring me. I'd probably have to duck while using the phone booth. I crouch well. Fun story. Interesting characters. Great! I bet this will get a Hollywood redux in a few years.

CinemaSerf

7.0

Mar 6, 2026

First things first: if you’re expecting something from “U.N.C.L.E.” via Ian Fleming then you are probably going to be disappointed. This isn’t that kind of drama. Instead, it follows three characters portrayed by Wagner Moura who have to navigate a series of political intrigues that begin in 1970s Brazil. Academic “Marcelo” (aka “Armando”) has arrived in his home city of Recife under some sort of cloak of secrecy; is being shielded by the wily “Dona Sebastiana” (a scene-stealing Tânia Maria) and some other citizens more inclined to freedom and is soon searching the local files for information…