Black Bag

By Joanna Langfield

Sharp and sleek, Steven Soderbergh’s spy treat glides us along on a very fun, if somewhat confusing ride.

A purposeful, almost robotic Michael Fassbender is a top British agent, married to a glorious co-worker, the lioness like Cate Blanchett. Theirs seems to be a really good match, until he is told somebody is leaking secrets. Potentially massively deadly secrets. And sad to say, that leaker? Well, it just might be his very own, loving, wife.

Fassbender does a fine job, calibrating his temperature (and, therefore, ours) as developments warrant. And Blanchett is divine, flexing her limbs as majestically as she does her mind. Rege-Jean Page’s Bridgerton fans will enjoy his very contemporary spin here, matching the super Naomie Harris and Tom Burke. An actress new to me is Marisa Abela, who is not just a hoot, but a compelling one at that. Can’t wait to see what she does next.

David Koepp has written roller coaster type thrillers throughout his accomplished career, including Spider-Man, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park chapters. His recent collaboration with Soderbergh, the terrific Kimi, delved into deeper, more intimate territory. This movie feels like a good mesh of genres. It moves, although not with the standard thrills some might expect. It also delves into what’s below the surface while, refreshingly, even delivers some surprisingly hearty laughs. It also does offer just a little too much in terms of plot lines. Or story twists. Or something. Better not to think too much about the particulars. Just sit back and know you’re in very good hands. And enjoy what is, ultimately, quite a dandy piece of work.