A university professor travels from São Paulo to the seaside city of Recife during Carnival week, hoping to reunite with his son. He soon finds out he's been tailed and spied on by neighbours in his new refuge, leaving him no possible escape from the tentacles of corruption.

From acclaimed director Kleber Mendonça Filho (Aquarius, Bacurau), THE SECRET AGENT is a gripping, mischievous political thriller that entertains as much as it provokes. Set amid the vibrant cultural landscape of 1970s Brazil, the film immerses audiences in the nation's charged atmosphere, capturing the grandeur of the period's golden-age cinema through sumptuous cinematography and a bold, era-defining soundtrack.

In a Best Actor–winning performance, Wagner Moura stars as Marcelo, a father on the run from a mysterious past. Arriving in Recife during Carnival, Marcelo is swept into a dizzying world of colour, noise, and unforgettable characters. As the city's sights and sounds intensify, Marcelo's true place within Recife's intricate web of secrets begins to emerge.

With four Academy Award nominations, two BAFTA nominations, and two Golden Globe wins, THE SECRET AGENT stands as a landmark achievement in the rebirth of Brazilian cinema – heralding a new chapter on the world stage.

2025. Portuguese/German. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho. With Wagner Moura, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Emilie Lesclaux. 160 mins. 15.