When looking through Prime Video’s lineup for September, I noticed the streamer was adding “Black Bag,” a spy thriller that came out back in March. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as a spy couple, you’d think it would do well based on these impressive credentials alone.
Unfortunately, “Black Bag” underperformed at the box office and was quickly overshadowed by bigger releases. That’s why I’m glad to see it find another streaming home on Prime Video U.S. (also on Peacock), as I hope its addition will attract a new audience and give it the recognition it deserved when it first hit theaters.
“Black Bag” is an almost-perfect spy thriller and could serve as inspiration for future spy movies. Centered around a high-stakes investigation into a top-secret leak, it takes its time exploring the characters, and Fassbender and Blanchett have effortless chemistry on screen. Every moment keeps you guessing about who the traitor might be.
If you haven’t seen (or even heard of) “Black Bag,” here’s why you should add it to your Prime Video watchlist right now. And be sure to check out top 7 movies to watch right now across all the major streaming services.
What is ‘Black Bag’ about?
“Black Bag” is set within the British intelligence community. The narrative centers on George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), a seasoned counterintelligence officer at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). He is tasked with investigating the unauthorized leak of a top-secret software program known as Severus, which poses a significant national security threat.
The list of suspects includes his wife, Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett), who serves as the NCSC's Head of Signals Operations, as well as Clarissa Dubose (Marisa Abela), a junior agent with a manipulative streak; Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke), Clarissa’s charismatic but reckless boyfriend; Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris), the agency’s in-house psychiatrist who becomes entwined in the investigation; and Colonel James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page).
To discern the truth, George orchestrates a dinner gathering with his colleagues, each of whom has potential motives and access to the compromised technology.
‘Black Bag’ is a brilliant spy thriller in need of attention
“Black Bag” is a simple spy thriller. That might sound like a harsh critique, but it’s actually the biggest compliment I can give this movie. There’s nothing complicated about its premise, and throughout the runtime, you’re more focused on questioning every suspect rather than looking at your watch and wondering when it might end. Sometimes, all you need is simplicity to keep you fully invested. In this case, it works a treat.
Soderbergh clearly knows how to craft a solid spy drama. Clocking in at a brisk 93 minutes, “Black Bag” keeps you intrigued right up to its final twists. Like many of Soderbergh’s recent projects, he often works to stay within budget while securing high-profile actors, but he still finds room for a few international sequences that add visual flair.
The premise revolves around Kathryn (Blanchett), a celebrated British intelligence officer who suddenly comes under suspicion of being a double agent, thanks to an anonymous tip. The agency assigns George (Fassbender), a meticulous and fastidious operative, to investigate her and several other colleagues in an effort to uncover the mole. The added tension, of course, comes from the fact that they are husband and wife. These two actors are perfectly suited for this complex dynamic.
Soderbergh and writer David Koepp understand that true suspense doesn’t rely on loud action or flashy stunts, but comes from quiet, nerve-wracking uncertainty. Much of what makes “Black Bag” work is how it deliberately inserts twists to mislead you, making the eventual revelations far more satisfying. Call it a spy mystery, if you will.
I’m not alone in my praise either. “Black Bag” has a solid 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it at 70%. The site’s critics consensus reads: “Sleek in design and spiked with dry wit, Black Bag is an exemplary espionage caper that lets movie stars like Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender do what they do best — light up the screen.”
For anyone who enjoys a smart, well-crafted spy story, “Black Bag” is a must-watch. With its clever twists and engaging performances, it delivers everything a suspense fan could want. Having underperformed in theaters, I’m hoping it finally gets the attention it deserves on one of the most popular streaming platforms.
Stream "Black Bag" on Prime Video now.
