Tom Blyth Shines in Gritty 2025 Thriller "Plainclothes"

The actor's performance in the psychological drama is earning critical acclaim.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:39am

Though best known for his role in the recent Netflix romantic comedy "People We Meet on Vacation", actor Tom Blyth is also garnering praise for his performance in the 2025 thriller "Plainclothes". The film, a directorial debut from Carmen Emmi, follows an undercover police officer named Lucas Brennan as he navigates a complex identity crisis and passionate relationship with one of his targets, Andrew Waters, played by Russell Tovey.

Why it matters

"Plainclothes" represents a dramatic departure from Blyth's lighter romantic work, showcasing his range as an actor and the film's exploration of sexuality, grief, and the struggle to find one's true self. The movie has been praised for its poignant and visually stunning take on an LGBTQ+ love story set against the backdrop of a psychological thriller.

The details

Set in Syracuse, New York in 1997, "Plainclothes" follows undercover cop Lucas Brennan as he conducts a sting operation to catch men cruising for sex in a local mall. However, Lucas becomes deeply conflicted when he develops an intense relationship with one of his targets, Andrew Waters. The film delves into Lucas' struggle with his own identity and sexuality, as well as the fallout from a tragic personal loss that further complicates his state of mind.

  • "Plainclothes" was released in 2025.

The players

Tom Blyth

The actor who stars as the lead character, Lucas Brennan, in "Plainclothes". Blyth is also known for his role in the recent Netflix romantic comedy "People We Meet on Vacation".

Carmen Emmi

The director of "Plainclothes", making her feature film directorial debut with this psychological thriller.

Russell Tovey

The actor who plays Andrew Waters, the love interest of Blyth's character in "Plainclothes".

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a love story in the traditional sense, but the chemistry shared by Blyth and Tovey whenever their characters are on screen together is palpable.”

— Philip Sledge, Author

“Knowing next to nothing about the movie going in, this aspect of the story, like Lucas' journey of self-discovery, added another layer to the drama, creating something powerful and highly emotional in the process.”

— Philip Sledge, Author

What’s next

"Plainclothes" is currently available to stream on the Mubi platform, allowing viewers to discover this gritty and acclaimed psychological thriller.

The takeaway

Tom Blyth's powerful performance in the 2025 film "Plainclothes" showcases his versatility as an actor, moving beyond his romantic comedy roots to deliver a nuanced and emotionally charged portrayal of a man grappling with his identity and the aftermath of a tragic loss.