Informa (インフォーマ) is a brand-new Japanese crime-thriller series that premiered on Netflix. The show is directed by Fujii Michihito, and Sakai Masaaki is credited as the screenwriter. Based on a novel of the same name by Garyo Okita, the plot surrounds an informer embroiled in the underworld and politics. He is accompanied by a wimpy reporter searching for “real” news on his adventures.
Starring Kenta Kiritani in the lead role as Keijiro Kihara alongside Reo Sano as Mishima Kanji. With a total of ten episodes, the approximate runtime is 25-30 minutes each.
-Informa Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The first episode starts off typically by introducing the hard-core and nonchalant main character, who only means business. And as usual, he takes on an apprentice whom he introduces to a world unlike any other. However, at first glance, it is very hard to connect with the character. His over-the-top indifference makes him unlikeable. At one point, it feels like the poor reporter needs rescuing from the hero himself.
Progression of the story in the first few episodes also remains stagnant. Various characters are introduced with vague impressions and no solid backstory. It becomes hard to get through the mediocre and predictable plotline with no start and end. It felt like watching one of the multiple movies with the exact same script and setting. The villain also failed to pique the interest and remained uninteresting despite the gruesome acts of violence.
Finally, the plot begins to pick its pace from the sixth episode. A clear backstory of the main character and his motives are revealed with provides a direction to the story. The dynamic between the leads improves, which is enough for the audience to engross themselves entirely. Even though the twists and turns have been done before, the creators managed to execute them well. What seems like a straightforward story is led on by an unpredictable revelation that creates a shock value.
Besides the plotline, the action sequences are also done fairly well and are kept raw and brutal. The use of camera angles to capture the antagonizing facial expressions adds substance to the segments. Moreover, slow motion is used appropriately to highlight some of the major scenes, which creates a greater impact on the storytelling process.
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Nevertheless, the script is far from perfect. It contains innumerable plot holes and multiple unanswered questions. The story builds up seamlessly, yet the revelation falls flat due to its absurdity and thoughtlessness. One will be forced to wonder and question most instances because of the laughable reason behind it. However, it can be overlooked as the story converges and gives a satisfying climax at the end.
Kenta Kiritani provides a satisfactory performance and does as the script demands. Reo Sano perfectly portrays a weak yet determined reporter, which can be relatable to the most. Morita Go stood out the most out of all. He managed to deliver a stellar performance with very limited screen time or dialogues. Additionally, Ishibashi Renji successfully portrays an equally mysterious man and creates an enigmatic aura surrounding his character.
Informa Review: Final Thoughts
The series is thrilling and manages to create enough suspense to keep us hooked and asking for more. The episodes are short and do not waste time with filler subplots to needlessly stretch it. Moreover, the story is unique and contains enough unpredictable twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seats. With ruthless action sequences and raw images, the show is definitely worth the watch.
All 10 episodes of Informa are now streaming on Netflix worldwide.
Did you watch the Japanese crime thriller yet? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments section below!