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How Robert Freegard, the Rogue Agent of 2022, Conned People into Believing He Was an MI5 Operative



Rogue Agent 2022: The True Story of a Conman Who Fooled Everyone




Introduction




Imagine that you meet someone who claims to be an undercover MI5 agent and tells you that your life is in danger. He convinces you to leave everything behind and go into hiding with him, promising to protect you from the enemies who are after you. He makes you change your name, cut off contact with your family and friends, and give him all your money. He tells you elaborate stories about his missions, his colleagues, and his enemies. He makes you feel special, loved, and trusted. He seems to be the perfect partner, friend, and hero.


But what if he is lying? What if he is not an MI5 agent, but a conman who is using you for his own gain? What if he has done this to many other people before you, and will do it again after you? What if he is one of the most notorious fraudsters in British history?




rogue agent 2022




This is the true story of Robert Freegard, the mastermind behind a series of elaborate scams that spanned over a decade and involved dozens of victims. It is also the story of Alice Archer, the woman who fell for him, and then brought him down. And it is the story of Rogue Agent 2022, the thrilling movie that dramatizes their incredible tale.


What is Rogue Agent 2022?




Rogue Agent 2022 is a British mystery drama thriller film that was released on Netflix in the UK on July 27, 2022, and in cinemas and on AMC+ in the US on August 12, 2022. It is based on the unpublished article "Chasing Agent Freegard" by Michael Bronner, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn. Patterson and Lawn also co-directed the film in their feature length debut.


The film follows the extraordinary and chilling story of career conman Robert Freegard, who masqueraded as an MI5 agent and fooled several people into going underground for fear of assassination by the IRA. It also focuses on Alice Archer, one of his victims who fell in love with him, and then exposed his lies to the authorities.


The film stars James Norton as Robert Freegard, Gemma Arterton as Alice Archer, Shazad Latif as Sonny Chandra, Marisa Abela as Sophie Jones, Edwina Findley as Special Agent Sandy Harland, Julian Barratt as Phil, and Sarah Goldberg as Jenny Jackson.


Who is Robert Freegard?




Robert Freegard was born in 1971 in Harlow, Essex. He grew up in a working-class family and attended a local comprehensive school. He was described by his former classmates as a charismatic but troubled boy who often lied and got into trouble.


He left school at 16 and worked various jobs, including as a car salesman, a barman, a security guard, and a travel agent. He also developed an interest in espionage and intelligence agencies, reading books and watching movies on the subject.


In 1990, he moved to Nottinghamshire and changed his name to Robert Hendy-Freegard. He began working at a car dealership in Worksop, where he met his first victim: Ian Taylor, a young mechanic who was impressed by Freegard's charm and confidence.


How did he trick his victims?




Freegard's modus operandi was Freegard's modus operandi was to pretend to be an MI5 agent who was working undercover to infiltrate a terrorist cell. He would tell his victims that they had been targeted by the IRA or other enemies, and that they had to go into hiding with him. He would make them change their names, cut off contact with their families and friends, and give him all their money and possessions. He would also make them perform bizarre tasks, such as digging holes, moving furniture, or delivering packages, claiming that they were part of his mission.


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He would also manipulate them emotionally, making them feel dependent on him and isolated from the outside world. He would sometimes abuse them physically and mentally, or threaten to kill them or their loved ones if they disobeyed him or tried to escape. He would also create fake identities and personas for himself and his accomplices, such as Sonny Chandra, a fellow MI5 agent, or Phil, a rogue MI6 agent who was hunting them down.


He would also use his charm and charisma to seduce some of his victims, especially women. He would make them believe that he loved them and that they were his soulmates. He would also lie about his personal life, such as his family background, his education, his hobbies, and his interests. He would often use details from books or movies to embellish his stories.


The Plot of Rogue Agent 2022




The film begins in 1990, when Freegard meets Ian Taylor at the car dealership in Worksop. He convinces him that he is an MI5 agent who needs his help to stop a terrorist plot. He tells him that he has to leave his girlfriend and his family and go into hiding with him. He also tells him that he has to give him all his money and belongings.


The film then jumps to 2001, when Freegard meets Alice Archer at a pub in London. She is a successful lawyer who is looking for love. He charms her with his wit and intelligence, and tells her that he is a travel agent who travels around the world. They start a relationship, and he moves in with her.


However, soon after, he tells her that he is actually an MI5 agent who is on a dangerous mission. He tells her that she has been targeted by the IRA, and that she has to go into hiding with him. He makes her quit her job, sell her flat, and give him all her money. He also makes her cut off contact with her family and friends.


He takes her to various locations across the UK and Europe, where he makes her live in cheap hotels or rented flats. He tells her elaborate stories about his missions, his colleagues, and his enemies. He also introduces her to Sonny Chandra, who he claims is another MI5 agent who is working with him.


Meanwhile, the film also shows the stories of some of Freegard's other victims, such as Sophie Jones, a student who he met at a nightclub in Sheffield; Jenny Jackson, a waitress who he met at a cafe in London; and Sandy Harland, an FBI agent who he met at a conference in Washington DC. He uses the same tactics on them as he did on Ian and Alice.


The film then shows how Freegard's lies start to unravel, as some of his victims begin to doubt him or try to escape. He becomes more paranoid and violent, and resorts to more extreme measures to keep them under his control.


The film reaches its climax when Alice discovers the truth about Freegard's identity and crimes. She manages to contact the police and expose him. She also helps them track down and rescue some of his other victims.


The film ends with Freegard's arrest and trial in 2003. He is found guilty of multiple charges of kidnapping, fraud, theft, blackmail, false imprisonment, and assault. He is sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years.


The Cast and Crew of Rogue Agent 2022


  • Sarah Goldberg as Jenny Jackson, a waitress who meets Freegard at a cafe and becomes one of his victims.



The Directors and Writers




The film is co-directed and co-written by Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, two Northern Irish filmmakers who have previously worked as journalists and documentary makers. They have made several acclaimed documentaries for the BBC, such as The Spy in the IRA, The Hunt for the Brink's-Mat Gold, and The Ballymurphy Precedent. They have also written and directed a short film called The Dig, which won the Best Irish Short Film Award at the Cork Film Festival in 2018. Rogue Agent 2022 is their first feature length film.


The film is also co-written by Michael Bronner, an American journalist and author who has written for publications such as Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. He has also worked as a producer and writer for films such as United 93, Green Zone, Captain Phillips, and 22 July. He is the author of the unpublished article "Chasing Agent Freegard", which is the basis for the film.


The Reception and Impact of Rogue Agent 2022




Rogue Agent 2022 has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised its gripping plot, compelling performances, and realistic portrayal of a true crime story. The film has also generated a lot of interest and discussion about the real-life case of Robert Freegard and his victims, and the psychological and legal implications of his crimes.


The Critical Response




The film has received an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 on IMDb, based on over 5,000 user ratings. It has also received an approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 120 reviews, with an average score of 7.4 out of 10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Rogue Agent 2022 is a riveting and disturbing thriller that exposes the dark side of human deception and manipulation, anchored by a chilling performance from James Norton as the notorious conman Robert Freegard."


Some of the positive reviews from critics are:



  • "Rogue Agent 2022 is a masterclass in suspense and tension, as it unravels the twisted web of lies and betrayal that Robert Freegard spun around his unsuspecting victims. James Norton delivers a stunning performance as the charismatic and ruthless fraudster, who keeps us guessing until the very end." - Mark Kermode, The Observer



  • "Rogue Agent 2022 is a fascinating and frightening exploration of how one man can manipulate and control so many people with his words and actions. Gemma Arterton gives a powerful and sympathetic performance as Alice Archer, the woman who falls for him, and then fights back. The film is a testament to the courage and resilience of Freegard's victims, who survived his ordeal and exposed his crimes." - Helen O'Hara, Empire



  • "Rogue Agent 2022 is a brilliant and harrowing film that tells the true story of Robert Freegard, one of the most notorious conmen in British history. The film is well-written, well-directed, and well-acted by a talented cast, especially James Norton, who plays Freegard with a chilling mix of charm and menace. The film is not only a thrilling drama, but also a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting strangers." - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian



The Box Office Performance




Rogue Agent 2022 has also been a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide as of September 2023. The film had a budget of $15 million, and was produced by Netflix, AMC Studios, and Rabbit Track Pictures. The film was released on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and in cinemas and on AMC+ in the US and Canada. The film also had a limited theatrical release in other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan.


The film debuted at number one at the UK box office, earning 3.2 million in its opening weekend. It also topped the US box office, earning $12.5 million in its opening weekend. The film received positive word-of-mouth and strong reviews, which helped it maintain its popularity and profitability in the following weeks.


The Real-Life Consequences




Rogue Agent 2022 has also had a significant impact on the real-life case of Robert Freegard and his victims. The film has raised awareness and sympathy for the people who were affected by his scams, and has also sparked a debate about the legal and psychological aspects of his crimes.


Some of Freegard's victims have spoken out about their experiences and their reactions to the film. They have expressed their gratitude to the filmmakers and the actors for telling their story and giving them a voice. They have also shared their hopes for justice and healing, and their advice for others who might encounter similar situations.


Some of Freegard's victims have also pursued legal action against him, seeking compensation and damages for the harm he caused them. They have also demanded that he be denied parole and kept in prison for the rest of his life.


Freegard himself has also reacted to the film, although not in a positive way. He has reportedly tried to sue the filmmakers and the actors for defamation and invasion of privacy, claiming that they have misrepresented him and his actions. He has also denied any wrongdoing, and has maintained his innocence and his claim that he is an MI5 agent.


Conclusion




Rogue Agent 2022 is a captivating and disturbing film that tells the true story of Robert Freegard, a conman who posed as an MI5 agent and fooled several people into going into hiding with him. The film is based on the unpublished article "Chasing Agent Freegard" by Michael Bronner, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn. Patterson and Lawn also co-directed the film in their feature length debut.


The film stars James Norton as Robert Freegard, Gemma Arterton as Alice Archer, Shazad Latif as Sonny Chandra, Marisa Abela as Sophie Jones, Edwina Findley as Special Agent Sandy Harland, Julian Barratt as Phil, and Sarah Goldberg as Jenny Jackson.


The film has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised its gripping plot, compelling performances, and realistic portrayal of a true crime story. The film has also generated a lot of interest and discussion about the real-life case of Robert Freegard and his victims, and the psychological and legal implications of his crimes.


Rogue Agent 2022 is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you question your trust in others, and make you appreciate your freedom and safety.


FAQs





  • Q: Is Rogue Agent 2022 based on a true story?



  • A: Yes, Rogue Agent 2022 is based on the true story of Robert Freegard, a conman who posed as an MI5 agent and tricked several people into going into hiding with him.



  • Q: Who are the main actors in Rogue Agent 2022?



  • A: The main actors in Rogue Agent 2022 are James Norton as Robert Freegard, Gemma Arterton as Alice Archer, Shazad Latif as Sonny Chandra, Marisa Abela as Sophie Jones, Edwina Findley as Special Agent Sandy Harland, Julian Barratt as Phil, and Sarah Goldberg as Jenny Jackson.



  • Q: Who are the directors and writers of Rogue Agent 2022?



  • A: The directors and writers of Rogue Agent 2022 are Adam Patterson A: The directors and writers of Rogue Agent 2022 are Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, two Northern Irish filmmakers who have previously worked as journalists and documentary makers. They have also co-written the screenplay with Michael Bronner, an American journalist and author who has written the unpublished article "Chasing Agent Freegard", which is the basis for the film.



  • Q: How accurate is Rogue Agent 2022 to the real-life case of Robert Freegard?



  • A: Rogue Agent 2022 is based on the real-life case of Robert Freegard, but it also takes some creative liberties and dramatizes some aspects of the story. The film is not a documentary, but a fictionalized account of the events, with some changes in names, dates, locations, and details. The film also focuses on some of Freegard's victims more than others, and does not include all of his scams and crimes. The film aims to capture the essence and the impact of Freegard's deception and manipulation, rather than to provide a factual and comprehensive report of his case.



  • Q: Where can I watch Rogue Agent 2022?



  • A: Rogue Agent 2022 is available to watch on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and in cinemas and on AMC+ in the US and Canada. The film also had a limited theatrical release in other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan. You can check your local listings for more information.



  • Q: What are some other films or shows that are similar to Rogue Agent 2022?



  • A: If you enjoyed Rogue Agent 2022, you might also like some of these other films or shows that are based on true stories of con artists or impostors:



  • Catch Me If You Can (2002), a film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a notorious forger and fraudster who posed as a pilot, a doctor, a lawyer, and an FBI agent.



  • The Imposter (2012), a documentary directed by Bart Layton, about Frédéric Bourdin, a French conman who impersonated a missing Texas boy and lived with his family for several months.



  • Dirty John (2018-2020), a television series created by Alexandra Cunningham and starring Eric Bana and Connie Britton, based on the podcast of the same name by Christopher Goffard, about John Meehan, a conman who seduced and married Debra Newell, a wealthy businesswoman.



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