BLACK BAG -- An Exquisitely-Written and Gripping Thriller From Soderbergh

Review by Camden Ferrell

Steven Soderbergh is one of the most prolific American directors working today, and it’s no surprise considering how vast and frequent his output is. Black Bag is his second wide theatrical release of 2025 (even though we’re not even a quarter of the way through the year), and it’s yet another notch in his ever-growing belt of filmmaking prowess. This thriller film boasts a steady hand from Soderberg, strong and committed performances, and one of the best scripts of David Koepp’s illustrious career.
 
George works for a high-profile intelligence agency, and he is tasked with finding a leak in the agency. The people in question are colleagues, friends, and even his wife Kathryn. What ensues is an intense and riveting story with twists, turns, betrayal, deception, and romance all twisted together. The plot itself isn’t anything new and borders on relatively basic narrative surrounding a McGuffin-y device that is being sought after by Russian agents. However, where this movie really shines is by diving deep into the interpersonal relationships and emotions that drive the cast of characters throughout the movie.
 
Koepp has made a name for himself writing for some of the most iconic franchises in film history like Indiana Jones, Spider-Man, and Jurassic Park. One might look at his resume and assume his best years are behind him, but his two most recent efforts with Soderbergh prove that he is far from finished and has exciting ideas and characters to share with the world. This movie seamlessly blends espionage thrills with great character studies sprinkled throughout, and it makes the film much more engaging and gripping. In addition to the character development, Koepp has some undeniably witty and insightful dialogue that serves as the engine to this steadily powered train of a movie.

This movie’s ensemble is a definite highlight in a movie where so much already works. Michael Fassbender leads the film as George, and he brings a very calculated and smooth energy to his character. It’s such a steady and stoic performance that makes his brief moments of catharsis (even in the slightest sense) so much more tangible and impressive. Kathryn is played by Cate Blanchett who could probably have phoned it in and still been exquisite, but she definitely brings her A-game yet again. She plays well off Fassbender and is exactly what balances out their interesting dynamic. The rest of the ensemble is rounded out with players like Tom Burke, Marisa Abela, Regé-Jean Page, and Naomie Harris who are all equally impressive in their respective roles.
 
Soderbergh once again wears different hats as director, editor, and cinematographer, and it never feels like he’s spread thin. It’s a cleverly shot movie (although the aggressive washed-out lighting was hit-or-miss), and it’s such a meticulously blocked film in a way that feels distinct to his sensibilities. It’s not as innovative as his other movies, but he still makes it feel like something you haven’t seen before.
 
Black Bag is a gripping film that breezes past you in an instant. It grabs you from the start and doesn’t loosen its grip until its final moments. It’s a raw glimpse into a group of deeply flawed and human individuals in the midst of a high-stakes situation. It’s also another stark reminder that this writer/director duo are still putting out some of their best work.
 
Black Bag is in theaters March 14.
 
Rating: 4.5/5