Black Bag (2025) - A Return to Form For Soderbergh?

Review by Robbie Fleming

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Studio: Universal / Focus Pictures 

Director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp reunite just two months after Presence to bring us Black Bag, a gripping espionage thriller. The film follows a highly skilled British Intelligence agent (Michael Fassbender), who is forced to choose between loyalty to his country or his marriage when his wife (Cate Blanchett) becomes a prime suspect in a national betrayal. Rounding out the impressive supporting cast are Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.

After thoroughly enjoying Presence earlier this year, I was eager to see what Soderbergh would deliver next. With the other three new releases I watched this week (Borderline, The Electric State, and Opus) all turning out to be disappointments, I was hoping Black Bag would break the streak—and spoiler alert: it absolutely did.

The film starts at a measured pace, but once the story picks up, it becomes an engaging mystery that keeps you guessing. I appreciated its grounded take on the spy genre, opting for tension and psychological manoeuvring over flashy action sequences. The cat-and-mouse dynamic was expertly handled, making for a truly suspenseful experience.

And that ending—I did not see it coming. It’s one of the best twists I’ve seen since Conclave, and it makes me want to watch the film again, both to catch the subtle clues I missed and to fully absorb the intricacies of the narrative. For a 90-minute film, there’s a lot to unpack.

Visually, Black Bag carries Soderbergh’s signature stylish aesthetic, though I found some of the lighting angles slightly blurry and distracting at times. That said, the film’s editing is excellent, heightening the tension and delivering its reveals with precision. While Presence had a more striking visual style, Black Bag excels in its storytelling, making it the stronger of the two in that regard.

The cast is a major highlight. Michael Fassbender delivers yet another stellar performance, channelling the essence of a classic British spy with effortless charisma. Cate Blanchett is strong as well, and her chemistry with Fassbender feels natural, though I did feel her character was slightly underwritten at points.

The supporting performances are equally compelling. It was great to see Marisa Abela in another role following Back to Black, and while I occasionally saw glimpses of her Amy Winehouse portrayal, she still delivered an impressive performance. Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan also shine in their roles, each having standout moments.

However, the true scene-stealer for me was Regé-Jean Page. He gives a magnetic, layered performance that commands attention, adding depth and intrigue to every moment he’s onscreen. His presence elevates the film, making every scene he’s in more compelling.

Another standout element is David Holmes’ score, which perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere. It enhances the tension and immerses you in the unfolding drama, making you feel like a witness to the events rather than just a viewer.

Overall, Black Bag is a suspenseful, finely crafted thriller that keeps you on edge and showcases fantastic performances alongside Soderbergh’s sharp direction. With this and Presence, he has firmly established himself as my director of the year. While Presence excelled visually, Black Bag stands out for its gripping storytelling.

Because this film left me eager for a rewatch, I’m giving it a 5 out of 5 stars and a perfect 10 out of 10. If you're a fan of spy thrillers and are looking for a fresh, tension-driven take on the genre, Black Bag is absolutely worth your time.

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