The Secret Agent (2025) is a 2025 Brazilian–European political thriller set in 1977. It was written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and stars Wagner Moura, Gabriel Leone, and Maria Fernanda Cândido.
The story follows Marcelo, a technology expert on the run during Brazil’s military dictatorship, who hides out amid carnival chaos and growing danger. The film premiered at Cannes and has been acquired for theatrical distribution by Neon in North America.
The Secret Agent Age Rating
The Secret Agent is rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content, language, and some full nudity. This means mature material not suitable for younger teens. Several festival and trade write-ups describe scenes of graphic physical harm alongside explicit sexual material.
Violence & Peril
Violence is a central element and can be strong and bloody. The film includes gun violence, tense standoffs, and at least one on-screen injury shown in a graphic way. Much of the threat is realistic and rooted in political repression. The tone often mixes thriller suspense with sudden bursts of brutality.
Language
Language is frequent and coarse. Characters regularly use strong profanity during arguments and moments of stress. The film’s dialogue includes adult political invective and occasional slurs in heated scenes. Expect strong and repeated expletives.
Mature Themes (Sex, Nudity, Substance Use)
Sexual content is explicit and includes some full nudity for adults. There are sexual situations that are integral to character relationships and the plot. Themes include political persecution, fear, and survival. Smoking and alcohol use appear in adult social settings.
Is The Secret Agent Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s violence and explicit sexual content are inappropriate for preteens. The R rating and graphic scenes make this clearly unsuitable.
Ages 13–15: No / With Guidance (Not Recommended). Younger teens may be disturbed by blood, arrests, and explicit nudity. If parents consider showing it, preview it first and be ready to stop the film.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance (Cautious). Older teens might follow the political themes and historical context. Still, the combination of strong violence and explicit sexual content means parents should screen first and discuss mature topics afterwards.
Final age recommendation: We recommend 17+ with parental discretion. For viewers under 17, parental preview and discussion are strongly advised.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself. Watch it before letting a teen view it. The mix of explicit sex and graphic violence means context matters.
- Prepare to pause and discuss. If you allow viewing, pause after difficult scenes to check how your teen feels. Talk about historical context and fear.
- Use the film to teach. Discuss political repression, censorship, and how history shapes personal choices in the film’s setting.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Secret Agent (2025)?
A: The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content, language, and some full nudity.
Q: Is The Secret Agent appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No for kids. For teens, it is not recommended under 16; 16–17 only with parental guidance and preview.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains realistic, sometimes bloody violence and tense standoffs that can be upsetting.
Q: Does the movie contain nudity or sexual scenes?
A: Yes. There are explicit sexual scenes and some full-frontal nudity involving adult actors.
Q: Is strong profanity used?
A: Yes. Strong and repeated profanity appears throughout the film.