Black Bag Review
Steven Soderbergh’s latest is a clever spy thriller that proves he’s still at the top of his game.
Michael Fassbender in Black Bag. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features
Black Bag is the latest film from prolific director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp, who have previously collaborated on two excellent films, Presence and Kimi. This economical spy thriller might be the best film in the genre that I’ve seen in quite a while, thanks to a strong script that deftly blends the genre with a marriage drama, knockout performances, stellar direction, and just the right amount of humor.
George and Kathryn Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett) are highly respected operatives working for Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). When George, a man utterly devoted to his wife, discovers she is among five suspects who may be a mole in the organization, he is thrown into a conflict between his loyalty to his country and marriage.
Cate Blanchett in Black Bag. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features
Aside from being a riveting spy yarn, Black Bag explores how secrecy can affect a relationship, particularly in this extreme dynamic where someone could simply tell their partner that something like their own whereabouts is “classified” or, in this case, “black bag.” George and Kathryn aren’t the only characters put under this microscope; seeing the different characters under this effect is fascinating and compelling, especially how some of the other relationships in the film are spun, which I won’t spoil. Best of all, the film is wryly funny. All of these moments, played totally straight, elicited laughs from the audience. It’s refreshing to see a mature drama that’s so cleverly written.
The cast’s performances are excellent. Michael Fassbender is a highlight in his second collaboration with Soderbergh. Co-star Cate Blanchett, a Soderbergh veteran as well, is Fassbender’s equal, and both are a pleasure to watch whenever they’re onscreen. The supporting cast (Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan) all get their moments to shine and are excellent as an ensemble, particularly in what I believe is one of the best dinner party scenes committed to film.
Black Bag is Soderbergh at the top of his game. He continues to impress. As director, editor, and cinematographer, his stamp is clear here stylistically and in the themes the film explores—morality, identity, interpersonal relationships, and revenge. His economical direction is at the forefront; not a second of screentime is wasted or excessive. I also believe this is one of David Koepp’s best scripts, and I hope these two guys work together again soon.
(L to R) Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris, Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Tom Burke, and Marisa Abela in Black Bag. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features
Reportedly made for a budget of $50 million, Black Back is a nearly perfect mid-budget movie, something we desperately need more of to succeed. My praise here may seem overly enthusiastic and effusive, but this film deserves it. Go see it in theaters.
Black Bag opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Overall Score: 10/10
