‘The Secret Agent’ is among the best films of the year – 12/16/2025 – Illustrated

“The Secret Agent” is the third best film of 2025 for The New Yorker film critic Richard Brody. In the list, published this Monday (15), Kleber Mendonça Filho’s feature film is behind “Pecadores”, in first place, and “The Mastermind”, in second place.

For the author, the year was “spectacular” for the film industry. This is because most of the releases “confront power – the enormous social forces that shape and deform people’s lives – and provoke resistance.”

The Brazilian film, for example, is set in 1977, when the military dictatorship celebrated its 13th anniversary. Wagner Moura plays a scientist from UFPE (Federal University of Pernambuco) who goes underground. He is pursued by a businessman linked to the regime who tried to interfere in the work carried out by the researcher’s team, who confronted the intervention. The film remains in theaters.

The synopsis is in line with those of other films celebrated by the critic. “Sinners”, by Ryan Coogler, takes place in Mississippi, southern United States, in 1932. The narrative centers on two twin brothers, both played by Michael B. Jordan. They buy an old mill and transform it into a “juke joint” – an informal African-American establishment that functioned as a bar, with music, drinks and betting. It turns out that the venture attracts vampires who culturally appropriate black music. The work was launched in Brazil in April 2025.

Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” tells the story of an unemployed carpenter, played by Josh O’Connor, who convinces some friends to steal paintings from the local art museum. Throughout the odyssey, existential questions are provoked.

“The Secret Agent” has already collected some awards, such as best actor and best director at the Cannes Film Festival. The biggest ambition is the Oscars, which will reveal the finalists in January. On the 8th, the Golden Globes nominated the film in three categories: best drama film, best film in a non-English language and best actor in a drama film. The awards ceremony will be on January 11th.

Brody’s list, published on the publication’s Instagram, raises expectations for the Brazilian representative to win awards in at least one category. After all, of the three he chose, only “The Secret Agent” would compete for best international film. If it is nominated – and wins –, the work would follow the path opened by “I’m Still Here”, the first national film to win an Oscar. The film also competes for the Critic’s Choice Award for best international film and best actor.