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Biographical drama

Sergio (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Sergio (2020) movie poster

Sergio is a 2020 biographical drama directed by Greg Barker, starring Wagner Moura as Sergio Vieira de Mello, Clarisse Abujamra and Ana de Armas. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and was made on a reported $16 million budget. Critics gave it 44% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
44%
Echo Score
56
Metascore
55
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Sergio (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Greg Barker
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$16M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sergio About?

The premise of Sergio without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This gripping biographical drama follows the career of charismatic diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, who skillfully negotiated complex situations in various global hotspots while safeguarding civilian populations. As he anticipates a peaceful future with his partner, Ana, he is assigned to Baghdad, a city ravaged by war. A devastating explosion thrusts him into a perilous struggle for survival, forever altering his life and career.

Sergio Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • female topless nudity
  • united nations
  • international relations
  • international politics
  • baghdad iraq
  • u.s. invasion of iraq
  • brazilian people murdered abroad
  • brazilian diplomat
  • baghdad
  • rio de janeiro brazil
  • east timor
  • speaking portuguese
+38 more
  • speaking spanish
  • archive footage
  • cambodia
  • speaking french
  • indonesia
  • debris
  • covered with debris
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • female nudity
  • bombing
  • terror attack
  • al qaeda
  • human rights
  • press conference
  • peace mission
  • surprise attack
  • inspiring story
  • one last assignment
  • dangerous assignment
  • inspirational leader
  • conflict zone
  • one word title
  • name in title
  • name as title
  • male name in title
  • male name as title
  • character name as title
  • title different than book
  • literature on screen
  • irish literature on screen
  • european literature on screen
  • wrapped in a blanket
  • woman wrapped in a blanket
  • framed photograph
  • star appears nude
  • male star appears nude
  • sex scene
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Cast & crew

Sergio Cast & Characters

Wagner Moura leads the cast as Sergio Vieira de Mello, with Clarisse Abujamra as Gilda Vieira de Mello and Ana de Armas as Carolina Larriera. Directed by Greg Barker; 15 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sergio

· 11 more
From the director

More from Greg Barker

More films directed by Greg Barker, best-rated first: Legion of Brothers, The Final Year, We Are the Giant and The Longest War.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sergio Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sergio 44% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 56/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

56 /100

Sergio Echo Score Breakdown

Sergio presents a blend of strong performances and uneven storytelling that yields a mixed experience. While the central pair deliver impactful portrayals with palpable chemistry, the narrative tends to alternate between stirring moments and sluggish sequences. The direction often feels conflicted, shifting from documentary impulses to an overt romantic focus that disrupts momentum. Despite occasional lyricism, these structural and pacing inconsistencies leave a net impression of a film that engages sporadically rather than consistently.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 50

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates occasional lyrical direction but struggles with structural cohesion. The mosaic-like editing approach can feel disjointed, weakening narrative flow. Cinematographic choices echo political thriller ambitions, yet they often lack vitality and visual thrill. Overall, the technical design offers moments of elegance but falls short of sustaining consistent engagement.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver nuanced performances with evident on-screen chemistry. The portrayal of the central figure conveys depth and empathy, anchoring the drama through emotional beats. However, secondary characterization remains underdeveloped, and the romantic emphasis sometimes overshadows the protagonist’s broader motivations. Ultimately, the strong portrayals drive the film’s most engaging moments.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative exhibits uneven pacing, oscillating between compelling political context and languid romantic sequences. The framing device of a rescue attempt feels abstract at times, disrupting momentum. While the script offers insightful glimpses into the protagonist’s career and personal life, these elements lack seamless integration. Consequently, the film’s coherence is frequently compromised by its shifting focus.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    When assessed by its sensory experience, Sergio offers a restrained soundscape and a measured visual style. The soundtrack underscores dramatic moments without becoming intrusive but rarely elevates the tension. Sound design and editing deliver clarity yet miss opportunities for dynamic engagement. The overall aesthetic is polished but muted, limiting the film’s sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Regarding the rewatch factor, the film’s thoughtful performances and intermittent lyricism may invite repeat viewing for character study. However, the pervasive slow pacing and inconsistent structure diminish its replay appeal. Audiences seeking a more cohesive narrative or heightened emotional resonance are unlikely to return frequently. As a result, its lasting attraction remains modest.

Plot

Sergio Plot Summary

What happens in Sergio from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Sergio Vieira de Mello, portrayed by Wagner Moura, is a dedicated advocate for human rights who finds himself in an intense conversation with an interviewer, reflecting on his prominent role as the Brazilian United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. As we delve into his past, we see his life on the brink of a monumental shift. In August 2003, a catastrophic bombing strikes the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, plunging the area into chaos and destruction. Amidst this turmoil, Carolina, played by Ana de Armas, frantically launches a search for Sergio, who has gone missing.

Full summary

The whole story of Sergio, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Sergio Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Sergio | Official Trailer | Netflix
  • Behind the Scenes The Most Powerful Scene in Sergio Was Mostly Improvised | Shot by Shot | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sergio?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of Sergio Vieira de Mello?

Cars

Cars in Sergio

34 cars on screen, including the Toyota Land Cruiser and the AM General HMMWV M1025.

All 34 cars
  • Toyota Land Cruiser in Sergio Toyota Land Cruiser Important role
  • AM General HMMWV M1025 in Sergio AM General HMMWV M1025 Minor role
  • BAE Systems RG-33L in Sergio BAE Systems RG-33L Minor role
  • 2004 Hummer H2 in Sergio 2004 Hummer H2 Minor role
Details

Sergio Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “塞尔吉奥” and “抢救德梅洛”.

Also known as
  • 塞尔吉奥
  • 抢救德梅洛
  • 世界良心
  • セルジオ 世界を救うために戦った男
  • סרז'יו
  • Σέρτζιο
  • Серхио
  • 세르지우
  • Сержиу
  • Sérgio
  • เซอร์จิโอ, სერჯიო
  • 搶救德梅洛
+5 more
  • Nhà Ngoại Giao Đại Tài
  • سرجیو
  • Сержіу
  • セルジオ: 世界を救うために戦った男
  • Sergio:世界良心

Seen Sergio?

FAQ

Sergio FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sergio, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sergio?

Sergio runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was Sergio released?

Sergio was released on April 17, 2020.

Who directed Sergio?

Sergio was directed by Greg Barker.

More films by Greg Barker

Who is in the cast of Sergio?

Sergio stars Wagner Moura as Sergio Vieira de Mello, Clarisse Abujamra as Gilda Vieira de Mello and Ana de Armas as Carolina Larriera, among 15 credited actors.

What was the budget of Sergio?

Sergio had a reported budget of $16 million.

How is Sergio rated?

Sergio has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

Does Sergio have a post-credit scene?

No. Sergio has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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