The Secret Agent

The Brazilian film The Secret Agent was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards (2026) It didn't get any of the four Oscars that it was up for, but it did win big at a number of Awards ceremonies and film festivals. Mubi are releasing it 4K UHD.

The film takes place in both the 1970s, during the brutal Fifth Brazilian Republic, and the present day.

In 1977 a scientist, Armando Solimões (Wagner Moura), goes into hiding, having crossed someone close to the regime. His life under the radar is punctuated by bizarre encounters. The Anarcho-Communist group that shelters him has been able to place him in the office that issues identity cards. Here he searches for information about his late mother, who appears to have been erased from existence. The group has also been taking care of his young son, Fernando (Enzo Nunes), after the death of his mother.

In present day Brazil two researchers, Flavia (Laura Lufési) and Daniela (Isadora Ruppert), piece together his story as they transcribe old audio recordings. The film flits between the two parts, reflecting the fragmentary nature of family history in a society where people can disappear or be disappeared.

1970s Brazil is stylised, smooth vibrant colour often in counterpoint with muted intricacy and pattern. It is the past perceived and imagined by the researches who live in a visually flatter, more realistic world.

The cinematic distinction between past and present is well served by 4K. Some of the intricacy and pattern would be lost at lower resolution, and the visual cues that delineate time would not work as well.

In 4K UHD and at a shade over two hours 40 minutes in length, The Secret Agent leaves no room on the disc for special features. What you get is just a set of art cards and the film: a very good, cinematographicly stunning film.

Reviewed on: 12 Sep 2026