The Mole Agent
The Mole Agent

Movie spotlight

The Mole Agent

2020
Movie
90 min
Spanish

When a daughter becomes concerned about her mother's well-being in a retirement home, private investigator Romulo hires Sergio, an 83-year-old man who becomes a new resident—and a mole inside the home, who struggles to balance his assignment with becoming increasingly involved in the lives of several residents.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users92%
Director: Maite AlberdiGenres: Documentary, Mystery

Plot Summary

A private detective agency is hired by the concerned daughter of an elderly woman in a Chilean nursing home. To investigate potential abuse, they send in Sergio, an unassuming 83-year-old man, posing as a new resident. Equipped with hidden cameras and gadgets, Sergio must navigate the daily routines and social dynamics of the retirement home, all while trying to uncover the truth and report back to his handlers. His mission becomes a poignant exploration of aging, loneliness, and the unexpected bonds he forms.

Critical Reception

The Mole Agent received widespread critical acclaim for its unique premise, heartwarming execution, and insightful portrayal of elderly life. Critics praised its ability to blend suspenseful mystery elements with genuine emotional depth, highlighting the charm and dignity of its elderly protagonist.

What Reviewers Say

  • A remarkably inventive and touching documentary that cleverly uses a spy thriller structure to explore themes of aging and connection.

  • Features a captivating and endearing lead performance that anchors the film's emotional resonance.

  • Praised for its subtle observational style and its ability to find profound humanity in the mundane.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's heartwarming and emotional impact, with many viewers finding the story of Sergio to be incredibly moving and inspiring. The documentary's unique concept and its tender depiction of the elderly residents are often cited as particular strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Won numerous awards at various film festivals, including Best Film at the Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Documentary Competition) and Best Ibero-American Film at the Gijón International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The documentary was filmed over three months, during which the real-life residents of the nursing home were unaware that they were being filmed for a documentary; they believed Sergio was simply a new resident in their home.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
rsanek

rsanek

Well-made film but I have to say, the trailers make it seem much more innocent than it ends up being. It's a pretty tough watch, not very light or comical, but if you're up for that kind of vibe you'll likely enjoy yourself.