The Secret Agent

It's hard not to bring up the legendary Brazilian film, "City of God," when talking about a Brazilian Crime/Drama (with a healthy helping of Political Thriller) that has now reached the mountain top of a Best Picture nomination. The second-ever Brazilian film to do so, following 2024's "I'm Still Here." That's right, two years in a row, two Brazilian best picture noms. Before last year, none, including the aforementioned "City of God."

"The Secret Agent" thrusts us from the very first frame into the middle of 1977 Recife. A city that I (and I imagine most other Americans) know very little about. As a period piece, "The Secret Agent" strikes many of the right notes. Moura's performance is excellent and nomination-worthy. Thrilled to see some acknowledgement going his way.

The thing that holds "Agent" back for me are some critical and distracting story decisions. Namely, an intercut timeline and some puzzling decisions about what to and what not to show during its already lengthy runtime. I understand the intent here is really to reflect on the complicated, chequered past of Brazil -- to process the misdeeds of previous Government regimes and the tragedies they wrought on the Brazilian people. It is somewhat hamfisted in its approach, despite much of the core material being quite strong.

This is a film that could actually be improved by telling a more straightforward version of its central story (which is already complex, layered, and interesting). Much of the additional meaning the filmmakers impose on the audience through the intercutting of other events would still be intact, but more subtle and strongly implied. I would love to see a version of "Agent" that is 20 minutes shorter. It could be more worthy of its praise and nominations. - 7/10