Key Points
- The Secret Agent begins streaming on Hulu March 1, 2026.
- Directed and written by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the film premiered at Cannes 2025, winning Best Director and Best Actor.
- The story is set in Brazil, 1977, during the military dictatorship, following a man entangled in political resistance.
- The cast includes Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Gabriel Leone, and Roney Villela.
- The film holds a 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Streaming Release
Hulu has confirmed that The Secret Agent, the Oscar-nominated political thriller starring Wagner Moura, will debut on the platform beginning March 1, 2026. The release expands the film’s reach beyond theaters, bringing one of last year’s most acclaimed international dramas to streaming audiences.
Festival and Awards Success
Written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, where it became the most awarded title of the year. The film won Best Director and Best Actor, cementing its reputation as a standout in global cinema.
It later earned recognition from the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the Critics’ Choice Awards, before securing four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Plot Overview
Set in Brazil in 1977, the film follows Marcelo, a technology expert forced to flee his past. Hoping to reunite with his son in Recife, Marcelo discovers the city is far from safe. As political tensions escalate, he becomes entangled in the underground resistance while struggling to escape those tracking him.
Cast and Performances
The ensemble cast includes Wagner Moura as Armando Solimões, Carlos Francisco as Sr. Alexandre, Tânia Maria as Dona Sebastiana, Robério Diógenes as Euclides, Gabriel Leone as Bobbi Borba, and Roney Villela as Augusto Borba.
Critics have praised Moura’s performance as one of the finest of his career, contributing to the film’s strong awards momentum.
Critical Reception
The Secret Agent holds a 98% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes based on 174 reviews, alongside an 83% audience score. Reviewers have highlighted its tense storytelling, political resonance, and standout performances.
What Happens Next?
With its Hulu debut, The Secret Agent is poised to reach a wider audience, potentially boosting its awards-season momentum ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. For viewers who missed its theatrical run, the streaming release offers a chance to experience one of the year’s most celebrated international thrillers.
