Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Written by: David Koepp
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page
Rating: [4/5]
Of the many elements that make for a strong marriage, unwavering trust remains paramount even when doubt begins to creep. It stands as the foundation, which may be simple for everyday people but when both working in covert operations, some complications may arise. Black Bag plays with this very subject and does so in such a clever and enjoyable manner that has everyone involved working at a high level.
Known for his merciless skill as an MI6 agent, George (Michael Fassbender) receives the assignment of finding how a top-secret software program has leaked by someone on the inside. It means anyone with remote access to it could carry responsibility and through his investigation, signs begin to point towards his wife and colleague, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) being the culprit.
There’s something about a slick British spy thriller that just gets the job done as far as delivering something exquisite. A mix of the social rules of England mixed with the proper hierarchies in place that allows for some intriguing stories to play out within this genre. I could not help but compare this feature to something like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy where we have this nearly emotionless lead character trying to find a mole within their organization in a spy film not necessarily filled with thrilling action sequences but rather conversations in rooms that do all of the heavy lifting. Black Bag adds a more critical relationship dynamic at the center of it all that adds even more intrigue.
The question posed to George through the narrative and even Kathryn directly through dialogue is would either of them do their duty as MI6 agents if they found out their spouse committed the high treason of this leak job. One could not help but turn the mirror to themselves and think what would I do in that situation with my own spouse. Does professional integrity supersede the love one has for their spouse, which at the level of this particular line of work has much larger ramifications on a global level. As Kathryn continues to look like the culprit for this situation, George must ponder that very question in the way he approaches her both inside and outside the home.
What makes George so interesting as a character is his ruthless sterility. Michael Fassbender has gotten quite the knack for playing characters on this wavelength especially recently in The Killer. The man just knows how to make characters like this still captivating to watch with George being no different. For as methodical as this character becomes, one thing remains explicitly clear as an ethos for this man: he cannot stand liars. We see this through his actions and the stories shared about him by others, which would leave Kathryn in quite the pickle if she was the mole. The twists and reveals this film has to offer in this regard are top-notch and goes in unexpected directions, which even catch someone as proficient as George off-guard.
Aside from the greatness of Fassbender, Steven Soderbergh’s direction and David Koepp’s screenplay truly make this film hum. Soderbergh, as usual, knows how to pump out films and the quality, for the most part, remains quite high. What he manages to visually capture in this feature makes this film the best of his recent output, which gets paired exceptionally well with Koepp’s screenplay. The prolific screenwriter puts together some truly tasty dialogue sequences that continually raise the tension for these characters. Two dinner scenes immediately come to mind when lauding the writing of this film where everything immaculately comes together from the directing and acting as well to move the film along. The rubber inevitably meets the road during these scenes as decisions and motivations get revealed for all to see and where subtle alliances and betrayals occur. While others may disagree, moments such as these bring more intrigue than a random shootout or action sequence. It ultimately displays what makes Soderbergh such a treasure in the way he can switch gears jumping into any genre and delivering something worthwhile and enjoyable.
Not heavy on the action but filled to the brim with intrigue and a slick story, Black Bag brings together another strong collaboration between Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp. They set the stage and allow this strong cast with fantastic supporting work from Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, and Regé-Jean Page to round out such a fascinating film that has all of the hallmarks for a fantastic British spy thriller. As much as the intrigue of this story lies in something logistical, ultimately the dynamic between George and Kathryn brings much of what makes this film so memorable. In a twisted way it speaks on the importance of trust within a marriage, which adds this kernel of sweetness amidst a ruthlessly cynical setting.
Films with Josh 
