December 2025

The Secret Agent: Exploring a Vibrant, Yet Violent Brazil

The Secret Agent, Brazil's Oscar entry for Best International Feature Film, is a visually subversive political thriller. The film was shot on location in Brazil using bright, saturated colors by cinematographer Evgenia Alexandrova, AFC as a counterpoint to the dark, terrifying subject matter, proceeding as a slow burn. Set in 1977, during the final years of Brazil's military dictatorship, The Secret Agent follows Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a former teacher and tech expert, on the run in Recife during Carnival week. Hoping to reunite with his son, Marcelo is targeted as a political dissident and forced into hiding while confronting his secret past. Top and above: Wagner Moura as Marcelo Alves in 'The Secret Agent,' shot by Evgenia...more