Amazon Prime Video is a treasure trove of underrated movies, from cult favorites that critics hated the first time around to successful films that just didn’t get the mainstream recognition they deserved.
This month, the platform added The Informant! to its library of movies, and we’re here to shine a light on this bizarre film that’s part comedy, part drama and part biopic.
Here’s why the Watch With Us team thinks you should watch The Informant! this month.
It’s a Stranger-Than-Fiction Story Based on Real Life
The Informant! is based on the true story of Archer Daniels Midland food processing employee Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), who simultaneously blew the whistle on his company’s shady business practices and embezzled millions while cooperating with the FBI. The movie, directed by Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Black Bag), explores how his mental health collapsed under the pressure of the investigation and led to this bizarre double life.
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The Informant! uses Whitacre’s story to shine a light on the ease with which corruption spreads in corporate America, as well as how the desire to do the right thing can bump up against the desire for wealth in a way that’s almost paradoxical. It’s a commentary on truth, lies, greed and big business. Plus, the early ’90s aesthetic makes it a lot of fun to look at.
The Cast Is Excellent — and We Don’t Just Mean Matt Damon
Damon’s performance in The Informant! is, of course, a highlight — he portrays Whitacre with nuance and sensitivity, capturing his contradictory nature as both a whistleblower and a criminal. But he’s not the only standout in the cast.
Melanie Lynskey, a criminally underrated actress who has received increased name recognition over the past few years for her roles in projects like Yellowjackets and Don’t Look Up, gives a beautifully understated performance as Mark’s wife Ginger, avoiding stereotypes of an oblivious spouse and crafting a character who reacts realistically to her husband’s slow breakdown.
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Other standout performances include the unexpectedly grounded portrayals of Whitacre’s FBI handlers, played by Scott Bakula and Joel McHale. The duo avoids what could have easily become an over-the-top “buddy cop” routine, especially considering McHale’s comedic background. Instead, they deliver subtle performances that complement the film’s dry humor well.
The movie is packed with great character actors, featuring supporting performances from Ann Dowd, Patton Oswalt and Paul F. Tompkins, to name a few.
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‘The Informant!’ Still Works All These Years Later
The Informant! hit theaters in 2009 and was well-received by critics, but it’s not talked about nearly as much as Soderbergh’s Erin Brockovich or Damon’s The Martian. If you’ve never seen it, the addition of the film to Amazon’s roster is the perfect excuse for a movie night.
Watch The Informant! on Amazon Prime Video.
