New feature film by Kleber Mendonça Filho features Wagner Moura in an acclaimed and Oscar-nominated political thriller
Brazilian cinema is experiencing a historic moment with The Secret Agent (2025). Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho (known as Bacurau e Aquarius), the film not only marks Wagner Moura’s return to a large-scale national production, but also consolidated his presence in the 2026 awards season, including Oscar nominations.
Set in the 1970s, the film combines the tension of a political thriller with the unique atmosphere of Recife, delivering one of the most anticipated and discussed works of recent years.
Below, you can see the complete technical sheet, who plays who and where to watch this production.
Plot and official synopsis
The plot takes place in Brazil 1977during the period of the Military Dictatorship. The story follows Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a university professor and technology expert in his 40s. Fleeing political threats and a violent past in São Paulo, he travels to Recife during Carnival week.
Marcelo’s goal is to find his son and try to start his life over again. However, upon arriving in the capital of Pernambuco, he discovers that the city is not the safe haven he imagined. Surrounded by paranoia, government agents and a constant surveillance network, Marcelo must navigate a web of secrets while trying to protect his family and keep his true identity hidden.
Who is in the cast of the Brazilian film The Secret Agent
The choice of cast was one of the most praised points by international critics, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best Casting Direction. The production mixes established stars with local talent from the Northeast and international names.
Check out the main names and their respective characters:
- Wagner Moura as Marcelo (also uses the codenames Armando and Fernando): The protagonist, an intellectual on the run who tries to survive the repressive system.
- Maria Fernanda Cândido as Elsa: A key character in the plot who crosses Marcelo’s path in Recife.
- Gabriel Leone as Bobbi: A young man who becomes involved in the complex dynamics of espionage and escape.
- Alice Carvalho as Fatima: Breakthrough actress (known as Cangaço Novo), plays a central figure in the local resistance.
- Carlos Francisco as Your Alexander: The veteran actor, frequent partner of Kleber Mendonça, brings gravity to the support group.
- Isabel Zuaa: Prominent Portuguese actress, plays one of Marcelo’s allies.
Other important names in the supporting cast:
- Tania Maria as Dona Sebastiana.
- Thomas Aquinas (of Bacurau) as Arlindo.
- Hermila Guedes in special participation.
- Kier’s thigh: The German actor, who was also in Bacuraumakes a notable appearance.
- Enzo Nunes like the son of Marcelo.
- Rubens Santos e Laura Luz.
Curiosities and awards
The film had a path of absolute success even before reaching the general public.
- Recognition at the 2026 Oscars: The film made history by receiving multiple nominations, including Best International Film, Best Actor (Wagner Moura) and Best Cast Direction.
- Win at Cannes: In its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Wagner Moura won the award for Best Actor and Kleber Mendonça Filho received the award for Best Director.
- Period reconstruction: Filming took place in Recife and involved meticulous art direction work to recreate the atmosphere, architecture and vehicles of 1977.
- Unprecedented partnership: Although they are two of the biggest names in Brazilian audiovisual, this is the first time that Kleber Mendonça Filho has directed Wagner Moura in a feature film.
Release date and where to watch
The film premiered in Brazilian cinemas in November 2025distributed by Vitrine Filmes.
For digital format and home videoa Netflix acquired the exhibition rights in Brazil. The film should reach the streaming catalog in 2026, after completing its exclusive window in cinemas and finishing its campaign during the awards season. It is recommended to check the schedule of local cinemas, as the film usually returns during award periods such as the Oscars.
With a narrative that mixes noir suspense and human drama, The Secret Agent has already established itself as an instant classic, reaffirming the power of Brazilian cinema on the global stage and the ability to tell local stories with universal appeal.
