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The Secret Agent Opens in Select Theaters as Wagner Moura’s Cannes-Winning Turn Draws Praise

The Cannes-winning performance anchors a politically charged thriller set under Brazil’s dictatorship.

Overview

  • Neon begins a limited U.S. rollout on Wednesday, November 26, with the film rated R and running 158 minutes.
  • Set in 1977 Recife under the military regime, the story follows a quiet academic hiding under an alias as threats close in.
  • Reviews highlight a blend of political suspense with surreal, gory flourishes and dark humor, including recurring urban-legend motifs.
  • The Associated Press awarded three and a half stars out of four and singled out Wagner Moura’s understated lead performance.
  • Coverage notes a memorable appearance by Udo Kier, who died this week, as well as Brazil’s submission of the film for the Best International Feature Oscar and the period-rich visuals crafted by cinematographer Evgenia Alexandrova.