If, like me, you’ve been loving the Slow Horses series, then you might want to take a look at James Norton’s spy thriller, which could help ease the pain now that the latest series has come to an end. Rogue Agent has all the action, suspense and deception you could want, and it stars the wonderful Happy Valley actor. So, that’s two very good reasons to watch it.
Based on the extraordinary real-life story of Robert Hendy-Freegard, a British career conman who, throughout the 1990s and 2000s, convinced people that he was an MI5 agent, the film explores how he manipulated his victims, conned them out of money and isolated them from their families and the outside world. Originally released in 2022, Rogue Agent is now streaming on Netflix, according to Esquire magazine.
James Norton plays Hendy-Freegard, who preyed on people’s trust by posing as an undercover MI5 operative. He convinced his victims that they were in danger and that they needed to follow his instructions to stay safe. By exploiting their fears and vulnerabilities, he managed to scam seven women, promising them an escape from the mundane while maintaining his elaborate web of lies.
Alice Archer, played by Gemma Arterton, becomes suspicious after initially being taken in by Robert’s charm. When her own attempts to uncover the truth prove fruitless, she teams up with a police officer to expose his lies. As the deception unravels, Alice risks becoming another victim of a man whose ability to manipulate those around him seems almost unbelievable.
The film combines elements of a psychological thriller with the tension of a real-life crime story, making it an intriguing watch for anyone who enjoys tales of deception, manipulation and elaborate cons. And if you’re a fan of James Norton, it’s another chance to see him take on a very different role.
Speaking to Variety about the film, Norton said: “It’s clear why it’s so compelling. It’s this story no one has ever heard before, and no one can quite believe is real. And it’s all the things I love.”
If you’re looking for something to fill the Slow Horses-shaped hole in your viewing schedule, Rogue Agent could be just the ticket.
You can watch Jame Norton in Rogue Agent on Netflix now.
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Feature Image Credit: IFC
