The Secret Agent (1996): cast, story & where to watch
1996 · Film · ★ 5.4
Released in 1996, The Secret Agent is a thriller and drama film directed by Christopher Hampton, running about 95 minutes.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. The Secret Agent stars Bob Hoskins as Verloc, Patricia Arquette as Winnie, Jim Broadbent as Chief Inspector Heat and Christian Bale as Stevie, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, The Secret Agent has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In GB you can rent or buy it from Rakuten TV. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Secret Agent page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Secret Agent tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Secret Agent (1996)?
- In GB, The Secret Agent is available to rent or buy from Rakuten TV. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Secret Agent worth watching?
- The Secret Agent holds an audience score of 5.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Secret Agent?
- The Secret Agent stars Bob Hoskins, Patricia Arquette, Jim Broadbent, Christian Bale and Gérard Depardieu.
- When was The Secret Agent released?
- The Secret Agent was released in 1996, with a runtime of about 95 minutes.