The Secret Agent Unveils the Tale of Dictatorship Through a Policeman and Bystander

As chief editor, Pedro Zambarda, I'm still around in 2025 and we might just snag Brazil's first Oscar this Sunday (the 15th). Im Still Here recounts the experiences of Rubens and Eunice Paiva's family during the military dictatorship. Though the story is typical of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it is set in Recife, bringing to life what it was like living in the Northeast during that period.

In The Secret Agent, his fifth film, Kleber Mendonça Filho uses Recife's folklore to highlight how sensational media stories overshadow important narratives like Marcelo's. The film suggests that the media's obsession with superficial stories distracts from the experiences of those like Marcelo. Wagner Moura delivers a compelling performance as Marcelo, who is actually Armando, a university professor with an industrial patent. The film depicts how Brazil’s military dictatorship, supported by business interests, ruthlessly privatized services, ushering in the rise of neoliberalism in the 1990s and 2000s. For standing his ground, Armando is labeled a communist, loses his wife, and is separated from his son, Fernando (also played by Moura). Marcelo, the titular secret agent, finds acceptance with Dona Sebastiana, a committed leftist (played by Tania Maria, who won an Elle cover for the role). The film delves into the theme of hidden patriotism, contrasting it with the overt displays of military figures from 1977 and supporters of presidents like Ernesto Geisel.

Revealing Brazil's Hidden Resilience under Dictatorship through Moura and Torres' Stellar Performances

The Secret Agent maintains a deliberate narrative pace. The backdrop of a military dictatorship is ever-present, appearing on posters throughout Recife, in the pages of Brazil's oldest newspaper, Diario de Pernambuco, and within the police station where the secret agent seeks to blend in. The film includes a particularly intense scene. It recounts the experiences of ordinary people living under a military dictatorship, showing how they still found moments of connection and joy amid the struggles of the time. The film is clearly left-leaning, highlighting underrepresented stories. Wagner Moura delivers a stellar performance, as does Fernanda Torres in Im Still Here, finally shedding light on Brazil's shameful past. While Maria Fernanda Candido's role could have been more impactful, these performances offer a stark look at Brazil's darker history, while still suggesting the possibility of a brighter future.

In Case You Missed It

In an exciting scoop for cinephiles, Carlos Mendoza recently penned "Oscar on Samsung TV Plus: Omelete TV Airs Exclusive Interview with 'The Secret Agent' Cast," where he delves into the behind-the-scenes magic of the nominated film. Tune in this Saturday at 6 PM, as Omelete TV on Samsung TV Plus premieres an exclusive interview featuring director Kleber Mendonça Filho, actor Wagner Moura, producer Emilie Lesclaux, and casting director Gabriel Domingues. Don't miss out on this unique preview of 'The Secret Agent' before the Oscars! Catch it here: (). As we navigate through Brazil's cinematic fever, Ahmed Hassan's insightful article "In a Climate of World Cup Final, Brazil Prepares for Oscars Night" (published on March 14, 2026) explores the unprecedented enthusiasm Brazilians are rallying behind their homegrown films like never before. With the 98th Academy Awards just days away and 'The Secret Agent' leading the pack, Brazilians are engaging emotionally and projecting their cultural identity onto the global stage through collective screenings, betting pools, and quizzes. So why not join them? Dive into Ahmed's piece here: In a Climate of World Cup Final, Brazil Prepares for Oscars Night. Staying on the topic of Hollywood's biggest night, we're thrilled to share that actor Wagner Moura will be one of the presenters at this year's Oscars! In a recent post by Bruno Pferd (published March 14th), we learn that Moura, currently nominated for Best Actor in 'The Secret Agent', has been added to the esteemed lineup. Head over to Bruno's article to find out more about this exciting announcement: Wagner Moura Will Be One of the Presenters at the 2026 Oscars.

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