Black Bag” is a 2025 American spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as Kathryn and George Woodhouse, a married couple who are both elite intelligence agents. The plot centers on George’s struggle between his loyalty to his wife and his country after Kathryn is suspected of national betrayal.
The ensemble cast includes Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan. Brosnan’s role as Arthur Stieglitz, the head of an intelligence agency, adds an ironic layer given his history portraying James Bond.
Filming began in London on May 6, 2024, with additional production at Pinewood Studios. Costume design was carried out by Ellen Mirojnick in collaboration with Simon Holloway and the British luxury brand Dunhill.
“Black Bag” was released in France on March 12, 2025, and in the United States on March 14, 2025. The film received positive reviews from critics, with Monica Castillo of RogerEbert.com awarding it a perfect four out of four stars, praising it as “a smart, sexy spy vs. spy thriller.” Despite critical acclaim, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing just over $31 million worldwide against a budget of $50–60 million.
As of April 1, 2025, “Black Bag” is available for digital purchase and rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The price for purchasing is $24.99, while renting costs $19.99. The streaming release date on Peacock has not been confirmed but is expected around mid-May 2025, following a similar pattern to previous Universal releases.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Steven Soderbergh |
| Written by | David Koepp |
| Produced by | Casey Silver, Gregory Jacobs |
| Starring | Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan |
| Cinematography | Peter Andrews |
| Edited by | Mary Ann Bernard |
| Music by | David Holmes |
| Production company | Casey Silver Productions |
| Distributed by | Focus Features (United States), Universal Pictures (International) |
| Release dates | March 12, 2025 (France), March 14, 2025 (United States) |
| Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $50–60 million |
| Box office | $31.2 million |
Story/ Summary
The film opens with Kathryn and George executing a high-risk mission for an undisclosed intelligence agency. However, soon after their return, George is given a secret directive: investigate his own wife. Evidence emerges suggesting that Kathryn might be a double agent leaking classified information.
As George delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself torn between his duty to his country and his loyalty to Kathryn. When Kathryn goes on the run, he is forced to track her down, unsure if he’s hunting a traitor or trying to protect an innocent woman from a deadly setup.
Along the way, they cross paths with a powerful intelligence chief Arthur Stieglitz (Pierce Brosnan), whose hidden agenda could change the course of their lives. Meanwhile, Naomie Harris and Regé-Jean Page play rival agents with their own motivations, blurring the lines between friend and foe.
As the story unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed, leading to a climactic showdown where Kathryn and George must decide: can they still trust each other, or has their marriage always been built on deception?
With its twists, high stakes action, and emotional depth, Black Bag is a modern espionage thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the very last moment.
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Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Michael Fassbender | George Woodhouse |
| Cate Blanchett | Kathryn St. Jean |
| Marisa Abela | Clarissa Dubose |
| Tom Burke | Freddie Smalls |
| Naomie Harris | Dr. Zoe Vaughan |
| Regé-Jean Page | Col. James Stokes |
| Pierce Brosnan | Arthur Stieglitz |
| Gustaf Skarsgård | Meacham |
| Kae Alexander | Anna Ko |
| Ambika Mod | Angela Childs |
Expected Critical & Audience Response
Critics have lauded the film’s intelligent narrative and the chemistry between its leads. The Australian highlights Soderbergh’s deft handling of the genre with a light touch.
Noting that the film incorporates humor and features standout performances, particularly from Cate Blanchett. The review awards the film 3.5 stars
⭐ Overall Rating: 5/5
