Black Bag is a sexy, thrilling, and surprisingly funny spy thriller from the great Steven Soderbergh. With a talented ensemble cast led by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, the film is a breath of fresh air in this early quarter of 2025.

“What’s on the menu, fun and games?” 

Black Bag, directed by Steven Soderbergh, follows British intelligence officer George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) facing the ultimate challenge upon finding out his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying their nation – choosing loyalty to his country or his marriage. 

In a time of year where theater goers are craving good films to watch on the big screen, Black Bag is a breath of fresh air. Soderbergh, known for films such as Erin Brockovich, Traffic, and the Ocean’s trilogy, adds to his impressive filmography with this fun, sexy, and exciting spy thriller. With a delicious runtime of 94 minutes, there is practically zero time wasted with setting up the plot and introducing us to these characters and their quirks. It’s through Soderbergh’s scorching direction, along with an incredibly canny script by David Koepp, that each character is not only established, but we know who they are – or so we think.

The fundamental relationship between George and Kathryn is intentionally full of numerous types of tension. Due to their line of work, both appear to be walking on eggshells around each other while simultaneously enjoying this mutual game they play together. Soderbergh and Koepp let us know that George has a very vigilant nature towards his wife, reminiscent of a spouse suspecting their partner of cheating. Kathryn, seems keenly aware of this and almost views it as a type of foreplay. Would most audiences aspire to be in a relationship that is equally balanced of loyalty and mistrust? Probably not, but it sure makes a compelling movie going experience! Fassbender is excellent as per usual and navigates these themes of stealth and betrayal all while looking fabulous with great ease. Blanchett seems like she is having the time of her life as his wife (with an impeccable fashion sense) a character who loves messing with her husband’s head just as much as she loves gaining information she may or may not require.

Along for the ride is an extremely talented and, yes, physically attractive, ensemble. Fortunately for the audience, Kathryn is not the only suspect of betrayal, we also have satellite imagery specialist Clarissa (Marisa Abela) and her agent boyfriend Freddie (Tom Burke), agency psychiatrist Zoe (Naomie Harris) and her agent boyfriend James (Regé-Jean Page). The aforementioned short runtime would usually be an indicator of some characters getting sidelined. Thankfully, that doesn’t occur here due in part to Koepp’s screenplay, the charisma of these actors, and the tight editing by Mary Ann Bernard. Abela is perhaps the standout of the supporting cast with a sexually charged energy fueled by anger and determination. Harris has the least amount of screen time of these four, but says so much with her eyes alone that she makes up for it. Burke and Page are also a lot of fun as two agents who are, maybe a little too full of themselves, but determined to prove their intelligence (and maybe their masculinity) to their peers.

Perhaps one of the better scenes of the films are the group ones at George and Kathryn’s dinner table where we see these cast of characters begrudgingly interacting while also sniffing each other’s secrets and intentions out. Much like George is attempting to do, the viewers are hanging onto each word that is spoken and observing if any change in body language is an indicator of deception. There is also a shocking amount of humor in what should be stressful interrogation scenes. For Soderbergh and Koepp both being American, they perfectly capture the dry and dark aspects of comedy typically found in British films. Audiences can expect many memorable zingers in this dialogue, particularly delivered by Abela and Harris.

With as much confidence and sex appeal as many of these characters are displaying, Black Bag speeds through its sharp runtime. Soderbergh proves himself as one of our more versatile directors working today. The well-balanced ensemble has lots of fun on screen and cements this film as a much watch for any film-goer looking for an escape this time of year. 

Rating: A-

Oscar Prospects:
Likely: None
Should Be Considered: Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing

Where to Watch: In Theaters