In a refreshing departure from the recent trend of blockbuster films filled with superheroes and explosive action, Steven Soderbergh’s latest feature, Black Bag, aims for a more sophisticated and dialogue-driven experience. Released in 2025, the spy thriller presents a polished cinematic treat while tackling issues of trust and deceit.
Starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, the film revolves around a high-ranking British intelligence agent played by Fassbender, who is tasked with uncovering the identity of a potential traitor within his agency. The plot thickens as it is revealed that the suspect list includes his own wife, portrayed by Blanchett. The central device in the narrative is a missing cyber-worm named Severus, capable of causing considerable disruption, a motif that adds layers of complexity to the story.
The film, which clocks in at a neat 90 minutes, is both stylishly crafted and laden with dense dialogue, marking a significant step up from Soderbergh's recent works, including Magic Mike's Last Dance and The Laundromat. Critics, however, have noted that although it seeks to emulate classic film-making, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Andrea Carnevali, a film reviewer and BAFTA-winning filmmaker, rated Black Bag 3.5 out of 5 stars. He reflects on the film's attempts at sophistication, saying, “The craft is evident from the start: both the production design and cinematography have a polished sheen.” Yet, he also points out that the plot becomes convoluted, particularly criticizing a dinner party scene aimed at revealing the traitor. He notes, “This is indeed the weakest scene in the entire film” where the director seems to lose track of the balance between heavy dialogue and the higher stakes of espionage.
The interactions between Fassbender and Blanchett deliver the emotional core of the film, fostering an atmosphere of suspense as viewers question the authenticity of their relationship. “Their flirty interrogations and professional detachment, masking who-knows-what-secrets and deeper emotions, is captivating,” Carnevali remarks. However, despite the intriguing premise, he feels it ultimately falls short.
Carnevali argued that the interpersonal dynamics, though initially compelling, were overshadowed by the conventional plot involving the stolen cyber weapon. The climax, in particular, felt rushed and derivative, leaving viewers unsatisfied. Ironically, while praising its concise runtime, he wished for more substance in the concluding act—an element he felt was missing in a film with so much potential.
Fassbender's performance, characterized by cool precision, presents an intelligence agent who embodies both detachment and emotional tension. Parallelly, Blanchett shines as she plays her character with an air of mystery, amplifying the film's tension.
On a related note, Fassbender has shown an impressive breadth in the thriller genre with his other recent project, The Killer, directed by David Fincher. Released on Netflix in 2023, the film follows an assassin who embarks on a mission of vengeance after failing a critical job—a far cry from his portrayal in Black Bag. In The Killer, Fassbender portrays a character grappling with the psychological repercussions of a botched hit, illustrating his dynamic skill as an actor. The film debuted at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received rave reviews and currently holds a commendable 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fans of Black Bag who enjoyed Fassbender's nuanced performance may find parallels in The Killer, as both films delve into themes of morality and betrayal. As Carnevali states, “Despite the intriguing premise and the talented cast, I struggle to understand what must have drawn a filmmaker as accomplished and often experimental as Steven Soderbergh to this project.”
Black Bag ultimately emerges as a stylish experience accentuated by strong performances, although the journey is marred by a dense and unwieldy plot that leaves viewers pondering its exploration of secrecy, both in the realms of espionage and personal relationships. While some might find it a worthy diversion, others may regard it as an unfulfilled promise of what could have been, leaving it lingering only temporarily in cinematic memory.
