Black Bag

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Black Bag follows a straight-laced spy (Michael Fassbender’s George Woodhouse) as he attempts to discern which of his coworkers, including his own wife (Cate Blanchett’s Kathryn), potentially stole a deadly item. It’s compelling subject matter that is, for the most part, employed to engaging (and periodically enthralling) effect by Soderbergh, as the movie, which kicks off with a mesmerizing single-take opening shot, boasts a complicated yet increasingly ingratiating narrative that’s been augmented with memorable set-pieces – with, for example, Soderbergh offering up a pair of dinner-party sequences at the beginning and end that are nothing short of electrifying. And while scripter David Koepp does admittedly bog the proceedings down with overly complex bits of spy-forward happenings, with such moments probably less befuddling on repeat viewings, Black Bag, anchored by its terrific performances (and Fassbender is especially commanding here), builds towards a tremendously satisfying final stretch that ensures it concludes on a thoroughly positive note – which ultimately confirms its place as a first-class endeavor that ranks as one of Soderbergh’s best movies in several years.

***1/2 out of ****