Brazil, 1977. In the middle of Carnival’s vibrant chaos, technology expert Marcelo disappears into the crowds, hoping to stay out of sight. But what begins as an escape quickly turns into something far more unsettling. The Secret Agent pulls you into a tense and unpredictable story where nothing is quite what it seems, and safety is always just out of reach.
Winner of Best Director and Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival.
Genre: period drama, mystery, political thriller
Language: Portoguese, subtitles: English
Length: 2 hrs 41 mins (2025)
Don’t expect a conventional spy film. In The Secret Agent, director Kleber Mendonça Filho plays with genre and expectation. What starts with the tension of a police thriller gradually unfolds into something broader: a conspiracy story layered with paranoia, and ultimately a political drama about loss, memory, and the impact of state violence.
Set against the backdrop of Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), the film moves between styles and tones without losing its grip.
Its runtime of over two and a half hours never drags and remains gripping throughout. This is largely thanks to the convincing performance of Brazilian superstar Wagner Moura (Tropa de elite, Narcos), who plays a university researcher who must go into hiding in 1977 when he stands up against corporate power.
Come and watch this thematically rich and visually arresting political thriller, which blends grindhouse stylization with biting social commentary to weave a vividly dangerous yet darkly human tale. And yes, there’s even a surprising Dutch twist woven into one of the strangest plotlines. You’ll have to see it for yourself.
Awards
The Secret Agent won Best Director and Best Actor at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It also won Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.
Reviews
“A brilliant Brazilian drama of an academic on the run in the murderous 1970s.” The Guardian
“It’s the kind of bizarro detour you don’t expect to take in a period political thriller…” The Hollywood Reporter
“The Brazilian helmer’s dazzling period drama reveals a surprising underground support network operating during the country’s dictatorship.” Variety
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos.
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance and can be bought by clicking the black “Order” button on this page.
- Cash or card payments are not accepted at the ticket counter.
For more information about tickets, refund policies, and other details, click here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film begin promptly at 19:00 (with no pre-film advertisements), and the cinema hall will open at 19:10. We kindly request that you arrive at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes before the start of the film to ensure a smooth and timely experience for all.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab.