Smart, sophisticated, intricate and riveting, plus a tight script, all in an hour and a half. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett are evenly matched as husband and wife who are British agents. Above all, this is a story about the love and devotion between these two “super-agents” which is put to the test when George (Fassbender) is tasked with finding the mole regarding a secret plan pointing to destruction to an enemy. And when the path keeps leading to Kathryn, (Blanchett) all kinds of intrigue is put into play.
Steven Soderbergh not only wrote and directed this film, but he was Cinematographer and Editor who put the pieces together with utmost precision. Fassbender’s George is the ultimate poker player. His expressionless face never divulges whatever is rushing through his brain. His calm delivery belies his inner turmoil. He never raises his voice. He’s the best at uncovering the secrets of his colleagues and using that to leverage what he needs from them to do his job. Soderbergh cleverly places the camera where only we, the audience, can see his terror and doubt, without being detectable to anyone else.
Blanchett’s Kathryn is every bit George’s equal. Strong, confident, fearless, clever and determined. She is smooth, elegant and stylish. She wears her stunning haute couture wardrobe Blanchette well, always walking confidently, head high, with intention. Kathryn is more expressive than George, but that sometimes masks what’s really going on. She’s perceptive and adept at setting people up to get what she needs, or what she needs to know from them. On several occasions, she makes it clear to George that she would kill to protect him. But if they or any agent asks for information that is too sensitive to share, the answer is always, “Black Bag.”
As in any workplace, there is some sexual hanky-panky, but in this case, it could lead to some deadly consequences which their superior, Arthur Stieglitz (Pierce Brosnan) would gladly to deliver. We’re shown the interaction between Col. James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page) in a visit to the workplace therapist, Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris) indicating some friction. Is there more there that we need to know?
One of our favorite scenes is when George puts all his suspects on notice in a lie detector scene that turns into a riveting case of truth or dare. Computer whiz Clarissa DeBose (Marisa Abela) is a fun character who comes up with no end of wise cracks as she’s taking the test adding some fun levity to the serious task. She’s given some really good lines and does she deliver! The whole point is to find out if there is a mole on the inside willing to sell out his or her, country to the highest bidder?
Soderbergh’s deliberate direction and misdirection make this fast-paced spy plot an emotional thriller. Pay attention. Fassbender and Blanchett’s low-key vibe works well and so does their love story. But what’s in the Black Bag will keep you guessing.
Focus Features 1 Hour 33 Minutes R
