Sometimes a movie gets lost in the shuffle, no matter how stacked its cast. That's exactly what happened to The Informer, a gritty undercover thriller that barely made a ripple in theaters back in 2019. But now, years later, it's finding a new audience on streaming—and it's finally getting the attention it deserves.
Based on the 2009 novel Three Seconds by Roslund & Hellström, The Informer follows Pete Koslow (Joel Kinnaman), an ex-con turned FBI informant. When a drug deal goes sideways, Pete must return to prison to maintain his cover and protect his family. But inside, he's caught between mobsters, corrupt agents, and the NYPD. It's a prison thriller, an undercover crime story, and a conspiracy tale all rolled into one.
The cast is a who's who of talent: Ana de Armas (fresh off Ballerina) plays Sofia, Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) is Wilcox, Common (John Wick: Chapter 2) plays Grens, Clive Owen (Children of Men) is Montgomery, and Sam Spruell (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) rounds out the ensemble as Slewitt. If you're a fan of gritty crime dramas, this one's for you.
How Did 'The Informer' Perform at the Box Office?
Let's be honest: The Informer was a box office disaster. With a reported budget of around $60 million, it grossed just $300,460 domestically and $3.37 million worldwide. That's a staggering loss, but it wasn't entirely the film's fault. Distribution issues and poor timing doomed its theatrical run. Still, it's a reminder that even star-studded thrillers can flop.
Critically, however, the film fared better. It holds a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a respectable 6.6/10 on IMDb. Reviewers called it "solid, not spectacular"—a decent, sturdy thriller that never quite reaches masterpiece status. But for fans of the genre, it's a hidden gem worth discovering.
Why Streaming Is Giving 'The Informer' a Second Life
Streaming has become a haven for forgotten movies, and The Informer is a perfect example. In June 2026, it will be available to stream, giving audiences who missed it in theaters a chance to catch up. If you're into heavy crime movies, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Ana de Armas' performance is a standout, even if the film didn't get the attention it deserved. For fans of undercover thrillers and conspiracy plots, The Informer delivers exactly what you'd expect—tense action, moral dilemmas, and a twisty narrative. It may not be a lost classic, but it's a solid entry in the genre that's finally getting its moment in the spotlight.
So mark your calendars for June 2026. Whether you're a fan of Ana de Armas, Joel Kinnaman, or just love a good undercover story, The Informer is worth the stream. And if you're hungry for more, check out our list of forgotten gems that deserve a second look.
