At the Film at Lincoln Center in New York, director Kleber Mendonça Filho highlighted the significant cinematic works that inspired his film 'The Secret Agent' as it competes for four Oscars this Sunday. The movie includes numerous references that enrich its narrative, inviting viewers to explore connections between the film and its inspirations.

One of the most prominent influences is Steven Spielberg's classic 'Jaws' (1975), which contributes layers of meaning throughout the Brazilian film. Themes of cinema's terrifying allure, real dangers on the beaches of Recife, the oppressive atmosphere of Brazil in 1977 during the military dictatorship, and the present's indifference consuming the past are intricately woven into the storyline.

In addition to 'Jaws', notable scenes are set in a Recife cinema screening another horror classic, 'The Omen' (1976). Right from the opening, the film creates a cultural mosaic of Brazilian life in the 1970s, showcasing how these references shape the narrative and evoke a sense of identity and reflection on historical context.