'Black Bag' Movie Review: Cate Blanchett Dazzles in Sophisticated Spy Drama
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 14:10
- Written by Lupe R Haas
From Director Steven Soderbergh, BLACK BAG is a sophisticated and stylish spy drama with witty banter. The lead characters (Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender) and the supporting cast (Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke) have equally good material to work with.
The Plot
Intelligence agent George Woodhouse (Fassbender) sets out to find the mole in his spy agency. Woodhouse’s wife Kathryn is suspect number one but his love for her clouds his judgement, and he suspects others in his immediate circle.
The Script
In a script by Hollywood veteran writer David Koepp (JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH), one single masterful scene around the dinner table early in the movie informs the audience with vital information and personalities of the five potential moles. Most of the tension revolves around the dialogue between the suspicious characters rather than in the action.
The Pace
Soderbergh’s BLACK BAG moves rather slowly for a spy drama, playing out more like a psychological drama. The characters speak cryptically, and the conversations escalate when characters are confronted. The tension between characters is often humorous when embarrassing details are exposed in a group setting.
Cate Blanchett plays up the femme fatale archetype from classic film noir, and Soderbergh frames the character using the classic lighting and shadow technique, referred to as the chiaroscuro effect. The old lighting effect enhances Blanchett's high cheekbones to give the character more of a mystery.
Marisa Abela, who portrayed Amy Winehouse in BACK TO BLACK (2024), also stands out as the only character who wears her emotions on her sleeve, which leads to volatile behavior.
Verdict
BLACK BAG is heavily driven by dialogue, so it may lull some viewers to sleep, but for those looking for a sophisticated, character-driven drama, this film is for you.
BLACK BAG hits movie theaters on March 14.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Written by David Koepp
Produced by Casey Silver, Greg Jacobs
Starring Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke, Pierce Brosnan
Rated R | 93 minutes
