The Secret Agent

Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent follows Wagner Moura’s Marcelo Alves as he encounters a series of complications after arriving in Recife during the Brazilian military dictatorship. Filmmaker Filho, armed with his own screenplay, does a terrific job of initially luring the viewer into the overlong and somewhat hit-and-miss proceedings, as The Secret Agent kicks off with a striking, entertaining opening sequence that effectively establishes the picture’s off-kilter sensibilities – with the promising vibe certainly heightened by Moura’s commanding turn as the compelling (and mysterious) central character. From there, The Secret Agent segues into a meandering midsection that admittedly does feel as though it could use some focus and streamlining (ie the narrative is perhaps a little too episodic for its own good) – with the erratic vibe generally allayed by the first-class performances and almost inherently appealing 1970s atmosphere. The inclusion of several standout scenes and digressions, including a mesmerizing flashback sequence involving a heated encounter, ensures that one’s interest never entirely wanes, while the tense happenings within the comparatively electrifying third act pave the way for an eventful, satisfying finish – which ultimately cements The Secret Agent‘s place as a solid endeavor that doesn’t really have any business running 161 minutes.

**1/2 out of ****