The Informer: A foggy, sweaty mess of a masterpiece

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies that feel like a fever dream trapped in a basement, yes. You'll love this if you appreciate expressionist lighting and guys looking absolutely miserable for ninety minutes. If you need a fast-paced thriller or something light to watch on a Tuesday, maybe skip it. It is heavy, it is dark, and it doesn't really let up.

Victor McLaglen’s face is the whole movie. He plays Gypo Nolan like he’s carrying a bag of wet cement around his neck. You can see the exact moment the money starts feeling like poison in his pocket.

The fog in this movie is wild. It’s not just weather; it’s like the film is trying to hide the characters from God. There’s a scene in a bar that feels so claustrophobic you start wanting to reach for a glass of water just to clear your own throat.

Small details that stuck

• The way Gypo keeps touching his pocket where the money is. It’s like he’s checking to see if his soul is still there.
• The background extras in the pub scenes. Some of them look like they were plucked straight off the street, just staring into the void.
• The shadows on the walls are way too long. It’s almost cartoonish, but it works.
• That one shot of the blind man playing the concertina—it’s haunting. It shows up just enough to make you feel uncomfortable.

I caught myself thinking about Footlight Parade just for the contrast. There is absolutely no glitz here. Just stone, mud, and bad decisions.

The movie is loud with its own misery. Sometimes the music swells up so much you expect the screen to crack. It’s not subtle. But honestly, I don't think it's trying to be.

There’s a part near the end where the paranoia takes over completely. The way the camera moves makes you feel like you’re being followed, too. It’s messy filmmaking, but it hits harder than the polished stuff you see today. Nobody is trying to look cool here. They just look tired.

Is it a perfect film? Probably not. The pacing gets a little wobbly in the middle, and sometimes Gypo’s confusion feels like it lasts a decade. But that might be the point. When you’re waiting to be caught, time stops moving normally anyway.

I walked away from this feeling like I needed to wash my hands. That’s probably the best sign of a good drama. If you can handle the gloom, it’s worth the watch. Just don’t expect a happy ending. Or a happy middle. Or much of a happy beginning, actually. 🌫️