Hidden Agenda

Plot Overview

This political thriller takes place in Northern Ireland during the 1980s and focuses on an American human‑rights lawyer, Ingrid Jessner, and her activist partner, Paul Sullivan. Their investigation into a killing exposes a vast conspiracy involving British security forces.

Beginning

In Belfast, Paul Sullivan receives a taped confession implicating senior political and military figures in illegal operations. Soon after, he is assassinated. Ingrid Jessner teams up with British investigator Peter Kerrigan to uncover the truth behind the murder and the tape.

Middle

Jessner and Kerrigan’s investigation leads them through shadowy intelligence networks and into confrontations with the British security apparatus. They uncover that the tape reveals not just one crime but a pattern of covert operations and institutional cover‑ups committed under the guise of counter‑terrorism. Kerrigan faces resistance from his own department, while Jessner struggles with threats and the risk of exposing powerful figures.

Climax & Ending

As the investigation reaches its peak, the true scale of the conspiracy becomes apparent: the government has been manipulating operations, using “shoot‑to‑kill” policies and suppressing evidence. Despite acquiring the tape, they find themselves unable to bring the perpetrators to justice. The film ends on a bleak note—with the system remaining intact and the protagonists left frustrated, highlighting how difficult it is to challenge entrenched power.

Key Themes

• Institutional corruption: The film shows how state institutions meant to serve justice can be subverted for clandestine purposes.
• Power and accountability: It raises questions about who holds power behind the scenes, and how easily democratic structures can be circumvented.
• Survival vs. truth: The protagonists must decide how far they are willing to go for the truth, and whether exposing it is worth the cost.
• Quiet resistance: Rather than explosive action, the film emphasizes sustained pressure, moral choices, and the quiet courage of investigation.

Notes

Runtime: approximately 108 minutes.

Directed by Ken Loach with screenplay by Jim Allen.

Stars Frances McDormand (Ingrid Jessner), Brian Cox (Peter Kerrigan) and Brad Dourif (Paul Sullivan).

The film was controversial at the time of release, due to its depiction of British security operations in Northern Ireland.