Is The Agony Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1976)

📖 The Core Premise

The Agony returns to the screen in 1976, bringing a fresh narrative to the Romance, Crime, Comedy genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Cropped hair, a rosemary branch behind the ear, yellow shirt of shiny satin, he's behind the wheel of his car when passing by a woman who walks by the roadside. Strongly painted lips, printed dress with round skirt and red shoes matching the color of the lipstick, she catches his attention. He gives her a ride, the two of them stare in silence for a few moments. They introduce themselves to one another and between the two establishes an absurd dialogue and full of metaphors. And they are driving around in corners of Rio de Janeiro, to the sound of Noel Rosa and Lamartine Babo. Eva and Antena, she a seer, he, an assassin on the run, initiate an unusual case of love, a marginal love, where boredom often gives way to tragedy, creating the agony of a holiday spent in an abyss."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Joel Barcellos shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Agony worth your time? If you appreciate Romance, Crime, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1976, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Agony is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.