The Agency (2017)
A sharp, stylish British short film exploring female empowerment and hidden desires among the middle classes, adapted from a Sarah Hall short story.
The Agency - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Paul Andrew Robinson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 23, 2017 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: Little Us Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Agency - Plot
Adapted from the acclaimed short story by Man Brooker Prize Nominee Sarah Hall. The Agency is a modern and stylish take on middle class female empowerment, amidst the social sub-culture, described collectively as "ladies who lunch". Disillusioned with a decade of domesticity, housewife Hannah Baines (Ania Sowinski), is befriended by an enigmatic older woman Anthea (Lesley Manville,) who introduces a select and seductive inner circle of women. In confidence, Anthea recommends a private and reliable company who "can set up something marvellous" for her. Hannah contemplates the implications of attending her initial consultation, at The Agency.
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The Agency - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Andrew Robinson
Main Cast
- Gwilym Lee
- Dexter Fletcher
- Lesley Manville
- Ania Sowinski
- Chanel Cresswell
- Elizabeth Boag
Writers
- Paul Andrew Robinson
Producers
- Eddy Edwards
- David Hughes
- Paul Andrew Robinson
The Agency - FAQs
What is The Agency (2017) about?
The Agency follows Hannah Baines, a housewife disillusioned after a decade of domesticity, who is drawn into an exclusive circle of women by the enigmatic Anthea. Adapted from a Sarah Hall short story, the film explores middle-class female empowerment and the quiet seductions of a life less ordinary.
Is The Agency based on a short story?
Yes, The Agency is adapted from a short story by Sarah Hall, a Man Booker Prize nominee celebrated for her sharp, literary fiction. The film translates her exploration of female identity and social subculture into a stylish, contemporary British short.
Where can you watch The Agency online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Agency on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location and local streaming libraries.
Who plays Anthea in The Agency?
Anthea is played by Lesley Manville, one of Britain's most acclaimed actresses, known for her work with Mike Leigh and her Oscar-nominated performance in Phantom Thread. Her portrayal of the enigmatic older woman is central to the film's seductive, unsettling atmosphere.
Who directed and wrote The Agency (2017)?
Paul Andrew Robinson both wrote and directed The Agency. He also served as one of the film's producers alongside Eddy Edwards and David Hughes, making it a closely collaborative, independent British production released in November 2017.
Who are the main cast members in The Agency?
The cast features Ania Sowinski as Hannah, Lesley Manville as Anthea, Gwilym Lee as Alistair, Dexter Fletcher as John, Chanel Cresswell as Pamela, and Elizabeth Boag as Chesca — a strong ensemble bringing this intimate British drama to life.
How long is The Agency short film?
The Agency runs for 29 minutes, placing it firmly in short film territory. Despite its brief runtime, it delivers a fully formed narrative with rich character dynamics and a quietly compelling atmosphere rooted in Sarah Hall's original literary vision.
What films are similar to The Agency (2017)?
If The Agency resonates with you, explore other intimate short films and character-driven dramas such as The Neighbors' Window (2019), Starving in Suburbia (2014), The Safety of Objects (2002), and Newness (2017) — all of which examine domestic life, identity, and quiet personal upheaval.
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