Why Black Bag Is the Spy Film You Didn’t See Coming

Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag is a 2025 spy film that chronicles a tumultuous event in the lives of intelligence operatives Katheryn and George played by the excellent Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. After the cold open where George is told by a higher-up in the agency that his wife is suspected of being a mole and assumedly he’s tasked with killing her, the audience is immediately hooked. Unlike the average spy movie, however, there are no fight scenes in Black Bag; all conflict is started and resolved through conversation for the most part.

A Film That Rewards The Viewer

One thing that may be hit or miss for viewers is the fact that Black Bag expects the audience to be paying attention. Forgoing the tendency of many mainstream movies to explain what’s happening clearly, Soderbergh packs every tense and beautifully acted conversation full of important details that help to flesh out the story and give the viewer hints as to how the plot may unfold. Something especially commendable is that Black Bag never attempts to introduce any high-tech concepts that are wildly unrealistic or will quickly become dated; everything shown in the movie is believable and leads to a feeling of realism that aids the suave feel.

A Feast For The Senses

The last part of Black Bag that ties together all its other positives is how great the movie looks on a technical level. Every shot feels intentional, and some unconventional lenses are used to create a surreal depth of field and blur every light. The two dinner scenes stand out for their visual excellence as the characters are nearly obscured by the bloom of the candles on the table, aiding the rising stress of their arguments. Overall, if you’re looking for a concise, well-acted, well-shot, and exciting mix of drama and thriller, check out Black Bag.