In a recent interview Matt Damon and Ben Affleck spoke about how Netflix structure their action films with a big set piece followed by multiple action sequences throughout the film with the plot reiterated numerous times. The Secret Agent couldn’t be further from this structure and we the film going public are all the better for that. A cinematic behemoth of rare beauty, The Secret Agent feels as if you have been thrust into the midst of the lives and history of a group of people with an Oscar worthy lead performance from Wagner Moura.

 

In 1977, amidst the Brazilian military dictatorship, former professor Armando flees his mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of safety. He soon realises the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. 

 

For some in the digital, streaming age The Secret Agent will seem as though it meanders through its over two and a half hour run time. The film isn’t in a rush to hurry you through the story but to place you in the midst of these characters' lives. It takes its time and we are all the better for it. 

 

This allows not only the tension to ratchet up slowly to the final act but to be absolutely worth it too. All the delicately laid plot and character development leads to this moment and it truly is outstanding. 

 

All of this is not only down to superb writing where you feel as though you not only know the characters but also want to discover more of their lives, but the strong ensemble cast. Every single performance is believable, feels lived in and fully formed, which adds to the depth of it all. There is a reason why Moura won best actor at Cannes, Golden Globes, and was also nominated at the Oscars. His performance is magnificent; subtle, restrained, and thundering with power. 

 

A cinematic behemoth of rare beauty, The Secret Agent feels as if you have been thrust into the midst of the lives and history of a group of people with an Oscar worthy lead performance from Wagner Moura.