Thriller movies are revered for their brewing suspense and unexpected plot twists. Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” is a chic, sexy and visually enticing spy thriller movie, but it lacks build in both plot and suspense — defining features of the genre. Though the stellar cast supplements the lackluster action of the film, for die-hard thriller fans, “Black Bag” leaves much to be desired.
The movie follows George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), a British intelligence officer with the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), as he investigates an act of national treason committed by a fellow M16 employee. Among the five suspects — Clarissa Dubose (Marisa Abela), Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke), Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris) and James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page) — is his wife Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett). A series of alluring dinner parties, tense therapy sessions and secret phone calls make up the majority of the 90-minute film.
As George investigates how Severus, a dangerous program software code capable of nuclear destruction, has made its way into enemy hands, his marriage with Katheryn is put to the ultimate test. They challenge each other, targeting both of their weak spots as only married couples can. As George’s quest to discover the truth intensifies, he is faced with an impossible decision: loyalty to his wife, or loyalty to his country.
The shining star of the film is undeniably its cast. Blanchett and Fassbender, both old pros, deliver expectedly terrific performances. Blanchett’s Kathryn is alluring and glamorous, her eyes always conveying equal parts suspicion and secrecy. Fassbender portrays George as collected and observant, watching his wife and peers’ every move, analyzing with precision.
The ensemble is bolstered by a deeply amusing performance from Abela, whose wit and line delivery carry each of her scenes. She plays Clarissa as an intelligent and talented young agent while staying down to earth. Her seductive smirks toward the older men in her vicinity and blatant honesty make her impressive and endearing all at once. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch her on screen.
The rest of the cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Burke, Harris, Page and Gustaf Skarsgård, all of whom gave solid, though not noteworthy performances.
It’s entertaining to watch such a talented cast embody their roles with ease. The refined cinematographic choices only enhance the viewing experience. Soderbergh draws the audience in with quick-moving over-the-shoulder shots intercut with searing low-angles. The sets are also stunning: One might consider going into the field of espionage after seeing the marvelous architecture and design of George and Kathryn’s luxury London townhouse.
While “Black Bag” is an easy watch, it isn’t particularly riveting. The movie’s closing scenes lack weight, the script lacks allure and the movie lacks overall memorability. While perfectly enjoyable, “Black Bag” is likely not a movie that audiences will be thinking about once they leave the theater.
