Black Bag

The latest from the prolific Steven Soderbergh (director of the Ocean’s films, Logan Lucky, Erin Brockovich, and many more), this movie is a superb marital spy thriller. With a stacked cast led by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as two married spies in London, it follows the former’s attempt to find out the truth when his wife is accused of treason. What follows is a suspense-filled game of cat and mouse, as Fassbender and a larger ensemble all circle around the truth of who this traitor is. Light on action (do not expect massive James Bond style chase scenes), its pleasures come from an incredibly tight, twisty script, a sharp 90 minute runtime, and a fantastic ensemble – all playing off of each other brilliantly. It’s sexy, suspenseful, delicious, slick, and loads of fun. If you like the refined movie star charisma of the Ocean’s films, then imagine that with elements of Bond, Mr and Mrs Smith and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. That’ll bring you pretty close to the vibe of Black Bag.

Ollie Lambert