’Tis the season that’s supposed to be “festive,” but it makes sense that this week’s new movies are closer to furtive—their protagonists are all on the lam, in hiding, or otherwise harassed by oppressing forces. Given the political state of the nation at present, it’s a relatable mindset.

The most accessible and enjoyable of them is The Secret Agent, an internationally financed fourth narrative feature for Kleber Mendonca Filho, whose prior ones (Neighboring Sounds, Aquarius, Bacurau) have all been impressive. It’s 1977 in Brazil, “a period of great mischief” according to an opening on-screen text, and Armando (Wagner Moura) is driving alone cross-country to coastal Recife—the writer-director’s own home town. At a gas station en route, he tells inquisitive cops he’s just traveling to atte

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