Get ready for some serious cinematic intrigue! Brazil's highly-anticipated political thriller, The Secret Agent, just dropped its official trailer, and it's looking absolutely electrifying. This multi-award-winning film is heading our way, bringing its Cannes-acclaimed style and a gripping story that's already got Oscar buzz swirling.

TL;DR: Quick Facts About The Secret Agent Movie
  • Cannes Sensation: It was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, winning Best Director for Kleber Mendonça Filho and Best Actor for Wagner Moura.
  • Oscar Hopeful: Brazil has selected The Secret Agent as its entry for the 2026 Best International Feature Film Oscar.
  • Coming Soon: Catch it in select theaters starting November 26 in New York and December 5 in Los Angeles and Canada.

Unpacking the Intense Plot of The Secret Agent

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Let's dive into what makes this thriller so compelling. Set in Brazil in 1977, a turbulent time during the military dictatorship, The Secret Agent throws us right into the thick of things. We follow Marcelo (played by the incredible Wagner Moura, who you might remember from Narcos or Civil War), a technology expert in his early 40s. He's on the run, trying to lay low in Recife during the vibrant chaos of Carnival week. His main goal? To reunite with his young son.

But Recife is far from the peaceful refuge he desperately needs. Marcelo quickly finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the dictatorship's political storm. He becomes an unwitting target, hunted by mercenary killers, haunted by "ghosts of the past," and navigating the ruthlessly militant spirit of 1977 Brazil. With the help of a mysterious woman named Elza and her allies in the growing underground resistance, Marcelo's focus sharpens: he needs to escape Brazil with his son, no matter what it takes.

This isn't your average straightforward spy flick. Critics have praised its non-linear narrative, describing it as a "playfully shape-shifting epic" that keeps you guessing. It's an intricate web of storylines, unreliable memories, and surreal nightmares, all woven into a pulpy tragedy. You're going to want to pay close attention to every twist and turn.

A Triumph at the Cannes Film Festival

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If you're looking for a seal of approval, The Secret Agent got one of the biggest at this year's Cannes. It wasn't just well-received; it was a bona fide sensation, becoming the most awarded movie of the entire festival! Director Kleber Mendonça Filho snagged the coveted Best Director prize, and Wagner Moura earned Best Actor, a first for a Brazilian performer. On top of that, it also picked up the FIPRESCI Critics Prize for Best Film and the AFCAE Art House Cinema Award.

While it was in the running for the top honor, the Palme d'Or (which went to Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident), its impressive haul of awards speaks volumes about its quality and impact. This kind of critical acclaim from such a prestigious festival almost always translates to a must-watch experience for cinephiles.

The Visionary Behind the Lens: Kleber Mendonça Filho

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Director Kleber Mendonça Filho isn't new to critical success. He's previously wowed audiences with films like 2016's Aquarius (which also competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes) and 2019's Bacurau. He's known for challenging viewer expectations and playing with genre conventions, and The Secret Agent seems to be his most acclaimed work yet.

Filho, a former film critic and self-professed cinema buff, has a distinctive style. He uses Panavision, vintage wipe edits, split-diopter shots, and fantastic music (including Tropicália gems from the 1970s) to create a visual and auditory feast. The film is described as an "eccentric and affectionate ode to the Movies and the Brazil of his youth," clearly influenced by the genre films of the decade it portrays.

He even shared a bit about the film's origins:

"A very long time. Initially, I had the title, The Secret Agent, for a different story, which I tried to write but it never worked as a script. I kept the title when I turned to other ideas. It's really a mix of many different impulses. Partly it was the desire to do some kind of thriller. Partly it was the challenge of going back in time and doing a period piece, which I had never done other than one sequence in Aquarius."

— Kleber Mendonça Filho, Director

This dedication to his craft and willingness to experiment truly shines through in The Secret Agent, offering a unique cinematic experience that blends historical context with thrilling suspense.

An All-Star Cast Delivering Powerful Performances

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Leading the charge is Wagner Moura, whose performance as Marcelo has been called "extraordinary" and "career-defining." Critics have lauded his "deceptively recessive lead performance," noting how he mines an "errant sense of mystery" from the character right from the opening scene.

He's supported by a talented ensemble that includes:

  • Maria Fernanda Cândido as Elza
  • Gabriel Leone as Bobby
  • Carlos Francisco as Alexandre
  • Alice Carvalho as Fatima
  • Robério Diógenes as Euclides
  • Hermila Guedes as Claudia
  • And the one and only Udo Kier in a memorable, if brief, appearance.

This cast, under Filho's direction, brings to life a world brimming with political tension and personal stakes, promising a truly engaging watch.

Why This Film is a Must-See: Beyond the Awards

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So, beyond all the critical acclaim and awards, why should you make time for The Secret Agent? It's more than just a political thriller; it's a vibrant, stylish journey into a specific moment in Brazilian history, told through a deeply personal lens. It’s an ode to the filmmaker’s hometown, the now-defunct movie theaters of his youth, and the cultural reverence cinema once commanded.

The film doesn't shy away from being complex or artistic. It’s been called "smarter than it might pretend to be," taking risks like introducing crucial characters late in the story or presenting a scene from the perspective of a "zombified leg." Yes, you read that right. This blend of pulpy tragedy, surrealism, and sharp social commentary, all wrapped in a neo-noir package, makes it truly unique.

If you're into films that challenge, entertain, and make you think, while also offering stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack, then The Secret Agent is definitely one to put on your list. It's a reminder of cinema's capacity to disquiet and mesmerize.

Oscar Buzz and Release Details for The Secret Agent

Brazil has officially selected The Secret Agent to represent the country in the 2026 Best International Feature Film Oscar race. This is a huge deal, especially since Brazil is the defending champion in the category, having won earlier this year for Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here (which, fun fact, also takes place during the military dictatorship in Brazil). Fingers crossed for more Oscar gold!

Ready to see it? Here's where and when you can catch The Secret Agent:

  • United States Theatrical Release:
    • November 26, 2025: Opens in New York
    • December 5, 2025: Opens in Los Angeles
  • Canada Theatrical Release:
    • December 5, 2025
  • International Rights (UK, Ireland, India, Latin America excluding Brazil): Mubi

The film is distributed in North America by Neon, the same distributor behind last year's Best Picture Oscar winner, Anora. So, you know they've got an eye for quality!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About The Secret Agent Answered

When is The Secret Agent movie officially releasing in theaters?

The Secret Agent will first hit theaters in New York on November 26, 2025, followed by a wider release in Los Angeles and Canada on December 5, 2025.

Who is the main star of The Secret Agent?

The film stars the acclaimed Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, who is best known for his roles in Narcos and Civil War. His performance in The Secret Agent earned him the Best Actor award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

What genre is The Secret Agent film?

It's described as a neo-noir historical political thriller, blending elements of suspense, drama, and cultural commentary with a distinct artistic flair.

Will The Secret Agent be available on streaming platforms?

Mubi has acquired the rights for distribution in the UK, Ireland, India, and Latin America (excluding Brazil). Details for other streaming platforms in North America haven't been announced yet, but typically, films released by Neon eventually find their way to streaming after their theatrical run.

Sources:
  • Neon (Official Distributor)
  • IndieWire
  • Deadline
  • The A.V. Club
  • ScreenAnarchy
  • Dark Horizons
  • Flickering Myth
  • ComingSoon.net
  • Keith Loves Movies