Rogue Agent Movie Review: New Thriller Hits The Target With Creepy Fact-Based Story – The Illuminerdi

As loopy because the plots of most blockbusters are nowadays, I’d argue that tales we see in actual life are simply as, if no more so than something a Hollywood screenwriter may dream up. That’s definitely the case with Rogue Agent, a fact-based drama/thriller with a narrative you in all probability wouldn’t wish to consider is true, and whose ending (as of the making of it) will depart some in shock. Add robust lead performances from James Norton and Gemma Arterton together with a well-paced script, and this Rogue Agent is completely one value catching.

Lawyer Alice Archer (Gemma Arterton, The King’s Man) is romanced by suave automobile salesman Robert Hendy (James Norton). Nonetheless, when Robert begins performing suspiciously, Alice hires a non-public investigator who reveals him to be Robert Freegard. When questioned about this, Rob spills the beans that he’s truly an MI-5 agent and upends Alice’s life with quick automobiles, stunning getaways, and luxurious she’s by no means dreamed of. Sadly, behind Freegard’s charming smile lies a darkish secret that’s about to envelope Alice in methods she will be able to’t presumably think about.

Rogue Agent Official Trailer

I’m working onerous to not spoil the most important narrative twist of Rogue Agent, however I guarantee you there’s extra occurring than what I’ve talked about above and that it’s completely value seeing for your self. To me, movies primarily based on actual life individuals and occasions ought to really feel considerably believable and lifelike, and Rogue Agent succeeds in that regard. 

As insane and unsettling as this story turns into, the best way characters behaved and reacted to issues at all times felt very actual, because of the script by Michael Bronner (who wrote the article the movie relies on) and co-directors Declan Garden and Adam Patterson. They well set up a lightweight and romantic temper throughout the first act to make sure we’re as charmed by Robert as Alice is, subsequently making the later reveal about what’s actually occurring simply as a lot of a rug-pull for her and the opposite characters as it’s for us.

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Nonetheless, nearly as good as that script is, the lead performances by Gemma Arterton and James Norton are what make the movie stand out. Like Harrison Ford in What Lies Beneath or Al Pacino in The Satan’s Advocate, Norton transitions from charismatic and approachable to completely despicable over the movie’s runtime and Arterton (in her greatest efficiency so far) from lovestruck to horrified. These sorts of tales closely rely upon the chemistry between the leads throughout the levels of their relationship and Arterton and Norton are very well-matched. 

The supporting forged does stable work too, particularly Shazad Latif as a policeman who enters the proceedings halfway in and Sarah Goldberg (HBO’s Barry) in a task I can’t talk about with out spoiling main plot particulars.

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One other factor I respect about Rogue Agent is the way it largely avoids overdramatizing itself in a tacky manner. We’ve all seen what I’ll name “relationship thrillers” that go up to now excessive that they change into laughable slightly than partaking the longer they go on. Whereas the trailers for this movie make it appear to be it’ll fly off the rails, it by no means crosses that line and even manages the speediest climax I’ve seen in a movie in a while. 

I additionally like how the movie performs its hand with us, revealing details about what’s actually occurring backstage in a manner that I doubt many will have the ability to work out on first viewing. Realizing how a lot info to offer the viewer and when to offer it’s crucial to a narrative like this touchdown with individuals who don’t already comprehend it and even might encourage them to analyze the occasions that impressed it. 

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As nicely, I hope Rogue Agent results in extra main roles for Arterton and Norton and am completely satisfied to see stable drama-thrillers like this nonetheless have a spot on streaming platforms.  I’d fortunately have seen it on the massive display, however at the very least extra individuals could have entry to it and might revisit it any time they need as soon as it hits AMCPlus. One factor’s for certain: it’ll result in a memorable post-watch dialogue together with your partner. It doesn’t rank among the many classics, however Rogue Agent is partaking, well-acted, and completely entertaining.  See it.

3.5 out of 5 stars (above common)

Rogue Agent opens in theaters and on AMC+ on Friday, August 12, 2022. Tell us what you considered the film over on our social media!

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