A new spy thriller, “Black Bag,” tries to distract from its convoluted plot with opulent settings and a talented cast. The film stars Michael Fassbender as George Woodhouse, a British intelligence agent who values truth over deception. However, his task is complicated when one of the main suspects is his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), a fellow agent.
The movie’s attempt to create an authentic atmosphere through its interiors and tailoring nearly succeeds, but audiences accustomed to grittier, more realistic portrayals may find it lacking. The cast delivers impressive performances, with Fassbender and Blanchett standing out. However, the writing fails to deliver a satisfying payoff, leaving the film feeling superficial.
The score by David Holmes borrows from Soderbergh’s style, but it too feels slick and lacks depth. Despite its stylish appearance, “Black Bag” falls short due to its poorly executed plot and underwhelming script.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/15/black-bag-review-glossy-steven-soderbergh-spy-thriller-is-less-slow-horses-more-show-pony-cate-blanchett-michael-fassbender-tom-burke