The Secret Agent

1996·Movie
1h 35min·R
48
MediocreGoodWatch score

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Secret Agent fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Adrenaline4
  • Fast Pace4

Heart

Moving and melancholic

Much of it is about family.

  • Pathos8
  • Family Dynamics8
  • Melancholy7

Humor

Some sharp wit and dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Dark Humor5
  • Satire & Parody4

World

Society, history, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout characters, performances, and storytelling

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Character Depth9
  • Acting8
  • Narrative Structure8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

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.

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.
Historical EspionagePolitical IntriguePsychological DramaTragic ConsequencesDouble AgentSocial CommentaryComplex CharactersSlow Burn

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Secret Agent

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Secret Agent legally?

The Secret Agent is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Secret Agent worth watching?

48
MediocreGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 48/100 (IMDb 5.6 and Metacritic 41). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Secret Agent rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imagerySuicide themes

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.

How long is The Secret Agent?

1 h 35 min

The Secret Agent runs 1 h 35 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Secret Agent?

Critics41
Audiences56

Not quite. Audiences rate The Secret Agent higher (56) than critics (41). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

What language is The Secret Agent in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch The Secret Agent?

8ATAUCACHDENLNZUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Secret Agent in 8 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Secret Agent use?

Shoot the Shaggy DogBreak the HaughtyNon-Specifically ForeignTime SkipPolice Are UselessBomb-Throwing AnarchistsHandsome LechMad BomberBad SamaritanHeroic SacrificeCovers Always LieHope Spotand 26 more

TV Tropes lists 38 storytelling tropes for The Secret Agent, including Shoot the Shaggy Dog, Break the Haughty, Non-Specifically Foreign.

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