Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” is a sleek spy thriller that doubles as a sizzling marital drama, following George (Michael Fassbender) and his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), both high-level operatives at London’s National Cyber Security Centre. The 93-minute film takes place mainly in crisply composed interiors, where the camera trails George into and out of a nightclub, setting the stage for an assignment to track down a mole.
When a cyber-worm device called Severus goes missing, the fate of the world is said to be at stake. However, the true interest lies in George and Kathryn’s marriage, built on trust and devotion despite their professional lives demanding the inverse. Over a dinner set piece around a darkened table, they face questions about truth and deception.
Fassbender’s precision as an agent shines, but Blanchett’s enigmatic portrayal of Kathryn keeps her more at a remove from the audience. The supporting cast, including Regé-Jean Page and Naomie Harris, add to the ensemble’s charm. A twisty turn is added by Pierce Brosnan’s late appearance as Arthur Stheiglitz, the head of NCSC.
Ultimately, “Black Bag” becomes a thrilling exploration of love, trust, and devotion in a world of espionage and secrets. With its agile direction, delectable dialogue, and sizzling chemistry between Blanchett and Fassbender, this film is a must-see for fans of spy thrillers and marital dramas alike.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/black-bag-review-fassbender-blanchett-d1099080689f645db3eff814b8fb8a02