The Secret Agent

A dour, slow-burning Victorian tragedy that smothers you in grimy paranoia and quiet dread until its grim payoff lands.

Directed by

Christopher Hampton

Genres

Drama, Thriller

Starring

Bob Hoskins, Patricia Arquette, Jim Broadbent

Tagline

In Victorian London, a city of spies, one woman is about to be caught in a web of conspiracy and only one man has the power to protect her.

Overview

In 1880s London, pornographic bookseller Verloc is a double agent for the Russian government, providing information to Chief Inspector Heat about a lazy anarchist organization. In order for the anarchists to be arrested, an act of terrorism must occur. So Verloc decides to set up bombs – which leads to tragedy – not only for himself but also for his family, including wife Winnie and brother-in-law, Stevie.

How it feels

Bleak, melancholic, tense and dark. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Betrayal, conspiracy, isolation, guilt

Content

Mild violence, gore, sexual content and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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