Sergio (2020) is a biographical drama film directed by Greg Barker and starring Wagner Moura and Ana de Armas. The movie tells the powerful and deeply emotional story of Sérgio Vieira de Mello, a Brazilian United Nations diplomat whose career was marked by courage, idealism, and an unshakable belief in humanity — even in the most dangerous places on earth.

The story takes place during and after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Sérgio, appointed as the UN Special Representative in Baghdad, arrives determined to help rebuild the country and guide it toward independence. A lifelong believer in diplomacy and human dignity, he insists that the UN remain neutral and independent from the occupying forces. His goal is to show Iraqis that they still have a voice — even as the world around them falls apart.

However, Sérgio’s time in Iraq becomes his most difficult mission. He faces immense political pressure from the U.S. government, internal conflict within the UN, and the growing threat of violence outside the compound walls. His efforts to mediate and protect civilians often place him in direct opposition to those in power. Beneath the diplomatic struggle, the film also explores the human side of Sérgio — his flaws, desires, and the personal sacrifices he makes in the name of peace.

Through flashbacks, the audience sees his life before Iraq — his strained marriage, his passionate relationship with Carolina Larriera, and his restless search for meaning. Carolina is not just his lover, but also his emotional anchor, someone who challenges his ideals and reminds him that even the world’s saviors need to be human. Their love story adds warmth and tenderness to the political drama, revealing a man who, despite his calm public persona, longs for connection and belonging.

Tragedy strikes when a massive suicide bombing destroys the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Sérgio is buried under the rubble, gravely injured and trapped. As rescue teams race against time, the film moves between his memories and the present moment. In these final hours, Sérgio reflects on the choices he made — the lives he touched, the compromises he accepted, and the ideals he refused to abandon. The scenes of him beneath the debris serve as both a literal and symbolic confrontation with mortality, regret, and legacy.

Thematically, Sergio is about the conflict between idealism and realism — between what the world could be and what it actually is. It portrays the moral struggles faced by those who try to make a difference in systems ruled by politics and power. Sérgio’s unwavering belief in humanity often clashes with harsh realities, but the film never mocks his hope; instead, it honors it as something noble and necessary.

It is also a story about sacrifice and love. Sérgio’s devotion to his work costs him personal happiness, yet it also defines who he is. His romance with Carolina adds emotional balance, showing how love can both ground and challenge those who dedicate their lives to others.