”Black Bag” is a 2025 spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, featuring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as George and Kathryn St. Jean, a married couple who are both senior British intelligence officers. The plot centers on George’s mission to uncover a mole within the agency, with suspicions falling on several colleagues and even his wife, Kathryn. Rotten Tomatoes+6The Australian+6Decider+6
The film has received widespread critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 97% approval rating based on 156 reviews, with an average score of 8.2/10. The 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.” Metacritic reports a score of 85 out of 100, indicating “universal acclaim.” Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libreWikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+2Reddit+2Rotten Tomatoes+2
Critics have praised the film’s intelligent script and the chemistry between the leads. Monica Castillo of RogerEbert.com awarded it four out of four stars, describing it as “absolutely delicious, a svelte piece of entertainment that feels like a vintage yarn yet very much represents our own current anxieties.” The Australian highlighted Soderbergh’s deft handling of the genre and Blanchett’s standout performance, noting the film’s engaging and brisk pace. Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+2Wikipedia+2Roger Ebert+2The Guardian+2The Australian+2AP News+2
However, some reviews were more mixed. The Guardian commented that while the film boasts a starry cast and luxurious production design, it could benefit from more grit. Similarly, Slant Magazine compared it unfavorably to Soderbergh’s earlier work, stating that despite narrative convolutions, it feels like little has actually happened. The GuardianWikipedia
In terms of box office performance, as of March 24, 2025, “Black Bag” has grossed $14.7 million in the United States and Canada, and $9.2 million in other countries, totaling $23.9 million worldwide. Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+1Wikipedia+1
Overall, “Black Bag” is regarded as a sleek and intelligent spy thriller, elevated by the performances of Fassbender and Blanchett, and Soderbergh’s stylish direction.Decider+2AP News+2The Australian+2