Black Bag
Directed by Steven SoderberghWhen 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.
Cast of Black Bag
Black Bag Ratings & Reviews
- Marian Iulian3d agoInteresting, but a little boring , but not bad
- rg9400April 2, 2025Black Bag is another Soderbergh/Koepp production that aims to be as lean as possible. Where their last two collaborations have felt slightly gimmicky, Black Bag is a no-frills techno-thriller, examining the marriage between two spies. That said, it does still feel unlike any other spy movie that I can recall, where almost the entirety of the battle of wits takes place through dialogue. Its rapid pace with tons of technobabble, laden with intention that if you blink, you might feel like you've missed a crucial part of the puzzle. At times, this makes it hard for the viewer to get their feet under them, especially in the first half where you're just thrown into the world, trying to quickly grasp what the conspiracy is, who the various 6 players are, what their interpersonal relationships entail, and even what their jobs technically are. However, halfway through, as the lines start getting filled out, it becomes easier to immerse yourself in the suspense as tensions ratchet up. The plot is a very tightly wound clockwork machine, but the rapidfire dialogue and pacing will lose some viewers. This isn't an action-laden spy movie a la Mission Impossible or any of the other movies that played during the previews, but it still has some of the sleek stylistic flourishes. Having just recently watched Presence, it's really impressive how drastically different this movie looks and feels. Beyond the style, it does offer up an interesting examination of a marriage, but it does feel mostly like a movie driven by its clever plotting. I found this pretty entertaining once I felt like I understood what was going on, but I could tell a lot of my audience wasn't as engaged. I've made a comment that Soderbergh's recent output has felt a bit inconsequential. I am not sure if this will change people's minds about that, but it does feel like he's trying to do something more substantial here. Regardless, he remains a maestro of these extremely efficient 90 minute movies, and I am so glad that he's able to showcase how much can be achieved with less.
- Plex TV hosted by VishnuJuly 28, 2025Refreshing to have a movie that didn't rely on special effects but rather had a good storyline in good acting.
- Tiago NazarethApril 10, 2025I found this very hard to get into. I wouldn’t say the movie is bad, but ultimately rather boring, filled with senseless dialogues throughout. Really dull and lifeless, and slow moving. Not your typical spy movie so if you’re looking for some action you won’t be finding it here as it’s mainly talk, and tons of it. The film seemed more concerned with showcasing its own perceived sophistication rather than crafting any meaningful connection with the people watching it. As hard as I tried it never managed to grasp my attention in any significant way. The cinematography is solid and visually refined. Well-acted, but overall a missed opportunity that simply doesn’t capitalize on its potential. Perhaps I had high expectations. It was a miss for me
- RipLinesManApril 8, 2025Black Bag isn’t Event Horizon (1997), but with Michael Fassbender spiraling beside a briefcase that hums like it remembers ancient sins, it channels that same slow-burn descent into madness. There’s no jump to hyperspace here—just a steady leak of hell, cool and quiet, until it fills the room.
- TomK_BEJuly 26, 2025Black Bag is an entertaining thriller that blends sharp storytelling with a glimpse into the high-stakes world of UK secret service agents. While the ultra-luxurious lifestyle portrayed feels exaggerated and likely beyond realistic, it adds a sleek, cinematic charm. More compelling, however, are the subtle themes exploring trust, isolation, and the strain/impossibility of maintaining relationships outside the covert world—offering just enough food for thought beneath the surface action. Overall, a stylish and engaging watch that balances escapism with emotional depth.
- neuroparadoxJuly 24, 2025Tight little spy thriller, with a tight little core cast of 7. Suggested reading: 1) Physiological Stress Response and Polygraph Deception. 2) Fatigability of the external anal sphincter muscles using a novel strength training resistance exercise device.
- DadApril 26, 2025Very British. Multiple stories
- tbone05July 6, 2025Fine acting but all dialogue and no real climactic moments.
- Juan Manuel ZavalaJuly 4, 2025Excellent movie. Intriguing and entertaining. The chemistry between Fassbender and his character's wife worked well.
- Ty LeetApril 20, 2025A fun, well-written take on the classic whodunit. And yes I will watch every piece of content with Michael Fassbender as a spy.
- CaramoorMay 2, 2025Entertaining and David Finch-lite who done it. It’s a popcorn flick and goes down easy.
- isaiahkleverJuly 4, 2025Not terrible
- atomicsunsetApril 3, 2025"Black Bag" delivers precision filmmaking that mirrors its narrative—meticulous and calculated. The dinner table sequences bookend the film with remarkable tension, creating a psychological framework more compelling than the plot itself. Fassbender's performance embodies the film's aesthetic: clean, sharp, and methodical. Blanchett, whose trademark rigidity often creates distance, finds perfect harmony within this sterile world. The cinematography employs deliberate linear compositions that reinforce the film's thematic sharpness. While its whodunnit structure diminishes rewatch value, the initial viewing rewards with clockwork pacing and impeccable craftsmanship. A testament to how formalism, when executed with purpose, elevates genre conventions beyond mere entertainment. Marisa Abela's performance as Clarissa Dubose provides essential levity and a refreshing dose of sexuality amidst the film's older, uptight characters. As the relatable bystander in a world where everyone else is a spy, she serves as the voice of common sense that gets repeatedly brushed aside—without which the film would end prematurely. Initially seeming out of place among veterans like Fassbender and Blanchett, Abela quickly proves herself, bringing a flirty confidence that creates necessary contrast to the sterile world Soderbergh meticulously crafts.
- André CastroMay 16, 2025The movie is ok, clever. But is as cold as a brick of ice. Lots of talking and no action.
