By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho
Starring: Robério Diógenes | Robson Andrade | Rubens Santos | Tânia Maria | Udo Kier | Wagner Moura
Original language title: O Agente Secreto
Year: 2025
Running time: 158
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27847051
Diane says: “THE SECRET AGENT is a Brazilian political thriller set in 1970s Brazil, about corporate and police corruption, and the hegemony of the country’s south over north.
“Director Kleber Mendonca Filho’s 2020 BACURAU, a Weird Western (I just learned that term), had big fans in Chlotrudis, including me. Although I wouldn’t have guessed it was by the same director, I see the similarities between the two films in the corruption theme, the violence, strong characterization, and playfulness. THE SECRET AGENT’s absurdist beginning turns out to be not really absurd–it’s just Carnival in Recife, where a dead body under cardboard is ignored and a hairy leg menaces a park.
“Lead Wagner Moura won Best Actor at Cannes. Udo Kier stole the scene he was in, as a WWII survivor who has total disdain for the police–it did my heart good to see him. Robério Diógenes is a standout as the sheriff. And especially for Chlotrudis, a cat that must be seen to be believed. Also notable: the candy colors, the soundtrack that starts with samba and ends with flute and drums. 4 cats.
“Seen at Telluride-by-the-Sea, Portsmouth, NH.”
Chris says: :Takes the best parts of AQUARIUS and BACURAU (and to be fair, a few of the less-than-great parts of the latter) and alchemizes them into a period thriller in love with movies and life itself. As engaging and exciting an intimate epic as ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and I would give Wagner all the acting awards over (a still very good) Leo. 4 1/2 cats”
Michael says: “There’s a lot to like about Kleber Mendonça Filho’s latest film THE SECRET AGENT, but there’s a lot that keeps it from being great. Filho is an interesting and accomplished filmmaker, and his latest, a look back on a windower being persecuted by government officials for some unkown reason in a small Brazilian city highlights some of his strengths. However, the excessive running time, and the bizarre use of his over-the-top, cartoonish violence (something that really detracted from BACARAU as well) disrupted the tone and effectiveness of the film. Great performance from lead actor Wagner Moura, and Filho’s use of his home city is always fascinating. This film really used place so effectively. 3 1/2 cats”