Black Bag
Black Bag
When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband - also a legendary agent - faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.
Mr Walker reviewedOctober 5, 2025
This thing is just so light on its feet. So playful with the audience and cast that the sense of sexy fun is infectious. Its also a precisely baked espionage caper, if you pay attention.
The whole affair just zips along at a calculated pace with seemingly effortless ease. The witty banter as characters bounce off one another entertains while the cinematography adds another layer of motion whether the shot is unbroken or static.
Soderbergh's spy film inversions add distinction. This is a quiet, metered film about a violently loud reality. The use of warm cozy hues instead of the genre staples cold alienating blue/grey is one of the many intentional choices.
The cast understand the mission and execute it as flawlessly as their costumes. The David Koep's script sizzles with dynamic characters and the double speak intrigues, then there's those slight of hands he pulls of never missing a cue.
David Holmes' (SKYFALL, MAN FROM UNCLE) score brings a 007 meets Napoleon Solo beat to the music that propels it along, but also plays with the casting of Pierce Brosnan (James Bond) and Naomie Harris (Moneypenny). Then there is.....SPOILER AT BOTTOM OF PAGE .....
I've watched it 3 times now and every viewing leaves me smiling and tapping my toes. Give it a look next time you want some Tinker Tailor world saving mixed with classy Grant and Kelly romance.
*********************************SPOILER**********************************************************************************************************************(then there's the John LeCarre (TINKER TAILOR SPY) crossed with any number of Bond villain plots at the core of the story)*******************************************************************************************************************************************************