Watch Informant

Informant is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film that explores the life and actions of Brandon Darby, a former leftist activist turned FBI informant. The film offers a rare and intimate look at the complex issues surrounding political activism, government surveillance, and the blurred lines between criminality and activism.

Directed by Jamie Meltzer, Informant is a gripping and fascinating portrayal of Darby's controversial life and career. The film begins by introducing Darby as a charismatic and passionate activist who made major headlines during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Darby and his group, Common Ground Relief, were instrumental in providing emergency aid and support to the survivors of the disaster.

However, the film takes a dramatic turn as Darby is approached by the FBI to act as an informant on his former colleagues. Darby agrees to work as a government informant and is soon implicated in a number of high-profile criminal cases, including an alleged plot to bomb the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The film explores the deeply conflicted and complicated motivations behind Darby's decision to work for the FBI, as well as the backlash he faced from his former activist comrades. We also hear from other political activists, including Scott Crow and Lisa Fithian, who provide critical analysis of the role of government surveillance and the use of tactics such as entrapment in political cases.

What sets Informant apart from other documentaries about political activism is its unflinching portrayal of Darby's own role in what many see as a betrayal of the movement. Rather than simply portraying Darby as a villain or hero, the film offers a nuanced and complex portrait of a man whose actions have left a profound mark on the political landscape.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its exploration of the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by activists in the face of government surveillance and repression. Is it ever acceptable to betray your friends and colleagues for the sake of the greater good? How do we balance the need for security and safety with the right to protest and dissent?

Informant raises these and other crucial questions without resorting to simplistic answers or polemics. Instead, the film offers a deeply human and personal look at the impact of political activism on individuals and communities.

Visually, the film is expertly crafted, with stunning cinematography and a compelling soundtrack that draws the viewer deeper into the story. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the viewer time to reflect and absorb the complex issues raised by the film.

Ultimately, Informant is a must-see documentary that provides a vital and timely exploration of the ethics and politics of government surveillance, criminality, and activism in America. Whether you are a seasoned activist or simply interested in the issues of civil liberties and political dissent, this film is sure to challenge and inspire you.

Informant is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 70.