Joey Magidson
2025 is shaping up to be a really interesting year for Steven Soderbergh. He’s already released Presence back in January (though I saw it back in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, reviewing it here), which would have been enough for most filmmakers. However, Soderbergh is far from most filmmakers. So, he already has a second movie this year hitting in Black Bag, which couldn’t be more different. One is an experimental horror film, while the other is a star vehicle spy drama. The common thread? Both are very strong flicks.
Black Bag has a playful energy that serves it well. There’s a dry wit at play
George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) and Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett) are married British intelligence agents at the National Cyber Security Centre. When a cyber weapon known as Severus goes missing, George is tasked with finding out who is a traitor within their ranks. The program could destroy a nuclear facility or any other number of awful scenarios, so getting back into their hands is of the utmost importance, to the point where George is informed that he has to be comfortable dealing with Kathryn, if she turns out to be the traitor. His loyalty to her is looked at suspiciously by some within the NCSC, but George gets right on the case, seeming without prejudice.
George quickly deduces that, if it’s not Kathryn, the mole is one of four senior associates who happen to also be couples. So, he arranges a dinner party at their home, taking advantage of the presumed friendship by a the three pairs. Arriving is George’s direct underling, Colonel James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page), along with his lover, the NCSC psychologist Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris). There’s also the recently passed over for promotion Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke), as well as his girlfriend Clarissa (Marisa Abela), a fairly new recruit. Once everyone knows the stakes, the games begin. It’s not particularly hard to figure out who the mole is, but it’s fun watching everyone else figure it out.
Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are movie stars and waltz through this picture in such a way. This is a pleasant experience, watching them just have fun with the witty dialogue and stylish settings. Neither is being asked to stretch too far, but they know the assignments and ace them with a fair amount of ease. They’re best in show, as Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, and Regé-Jean Page, while good, have far less to do. Supporting players include Pierce Brosnan, Gustaf Skarsgard, and more. Blanchett and especially Fassbender are front and center.
Director Steven Soderbergh and writer Michael Koepp collaborate again after Kimi and Presence. This is their most mainstream effort of the three, though there’s a glint in their eye with Black Bag that shows they’re not quite going Hollywood. It’s a far cry from the dense seriousness of Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy. Instead, it’s a bit more of a fast food version, though never at the expense of intelligence or craftsmanship. It just has a fleeting quality to it, which isn’t necessarily a critique, but more of an observation.
Black Bag is a lot more fun than you might expect. As long as you go in expecting a playful take on this material, as opposed to a stone-faced one, you’ll be prepared for Soderbergh’s take. You may find it pleasantly forgettable, but when cinematic fast food is this delicious, you’re unlikely to mind in the slightest.
SCORE: ★★★
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