The spy game can get complicated and thorny when love and sex get involved, and trust turns into dark betrayals. That’s essentially the set-up of “Rogue Agent,” a new IFC Films thriller starring Gemma Arterton, James Norton, and Sarah Goldberg, who many will recognize from “Barry.” The story is essentially about con men, seduction, and deception—a rogue agent (Norton), who masquerades as an M15 agent, and the woman (Arterton)—initially seduced by his charms—who brought him down.
READ MORE: 30 Essential Spy Films To Watch
TV writers and producers turned into feature-length filmmakers Declan Lawn, and Adam Patterson helmed the film, known for their work on the BBC series “The Undeclared War” and “The Salisbury Poisonings.” “Rogue Agent” was written by Michael Bronner, who penned Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi.
Lawn spent ten years as an investigative reporter for BBC Panorama, and Patterson spent years working as a photojournalist and producing current affairs documentaries. Hence, they definitely have deep pockets of knowledge for stories about intrigue.
Here’s the official synopsis:
ROGUE AGENT is the extraordinary and chilling story of career conman Robert Freegard played by James Norton, with Gemma Arterton as Alice Archer, the woman who brought him down. Freegard was a master manipulator who convinced countless victims he was undercover MI5 in order to extort and kidnap them. He was at large for many years until he met the woman who would end his career. Initially falling for his charms, she became the architect of his downfall, and her actions led to his conviction and arrest. A tale of lies, loyalty, fear, and hope, this film will follow years of manipulation, investigation, and the high-stakes manhunt that resulted in Freegard’s capture and saved the life of his final victim.
“Rogue Agent” will open in theaters and on AMC+ on August 12, 2022, via IFC Films. Watch the new trailer below.