173. The Mole Agent (El Agente Topo); movie review

 

 

THE MOLE AGENT (EL AGENTE TOPO)

Cert PG

90 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild upsetting scenes, infrequent sex references

I've seen investigations into care homes and watched all sorts of spy movies but this is a merger of both and yet quite different to either.

The Mole Agent has a unique warmth - thanks to its central character, the wonderful  Sergio Chamy - who really should be named Charmy.

Sergio is a widower who has replied to a most unusual newspaper job advertisement - for a candidate between 80 and 90 years old.

The octogenarian responds to the appeal of private detective Romulo Aitken without knowing what he is letting himself in for.

Much to his amazement, he is asked to be a spy!

Well, actually a mole who can credibly infiltrate a retirement home because Romulo's client is the daughter of her resident and fears she is being abused.

Sergio is so keen that he persuades his family that he wants or even needs the challenge of the three-month post.

It transpires that what he lacks in technological know-how and guile, he makes up for in keenness and personality.

Put simply, there is no way that anyone would suspect such a gentle and respectful old fella.

But, in truth, he is probably too caring to be a private detective's mole.

So, while he diligently takes notes and records his findings, he also grows close to several of the residents empathising with those who are suffering the frailties of old age.

He also becomes the darling of the home, particularly to the elderly women who are dazzled by his smart attire and gentlemanly ways.

Maite Alberdi's The Mole Agent is wonderful and simultaneously heartbreaking as the loneliness and memory loss of the residents come to the fore.

But, even though he is surreptitiously recording them, Sergio emerges as a hero.

Indeed, he proves that compassion can go a heck of a long way.

Reasons to watch: Wonderfully engaging and unexpected.

Reasons to avoid: Upsetting scenes

Laughs: A couple of chuckles

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? A few weeks before starting, the agent who usually worked with (chief detective) Romulo Aitken broke his hip, so that’s why Romulo put an ad in the newspaper.

The final word. Maite Alberdi: "“He was the worst spy in the world, but he was super touching. He really committed not with his mission, but with the people that he was meeting.” Deadline

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