juan

Black Bag

A few tense moments, but mostly boring. Forgettable as hell, won’t be wasting time rewatching. It’s just fine, but barely.

grimmer

Black Bag

An absolutely fantastic film. After the massive disappointment of presence I thought maybe the glory days of Steven Soderbergh might have been over, but I’d argue this is his best piece of work. The acting is great as you’d expect with the cast, the story is refined, elegant and interesting. It’s a perfect combination. The headshot at the end was so well done, loved this and would recommend to everyone.

breakfastcowl

Black Bag

Went in blind and what a succinct comedy of manners, machinations, and monogamy this turned out to be. Very nearly a stage-play, I had a great time.

PHOENIX

Black Bag

Empty Mission Sometimes it’s hard to grasp how an acclaimed director can deliver a completely soulless film that leaves you cold. Knowing that Steven Soderbergh once gave us Ocean’s Eleven, Contagion, and Logan Lucky, it’s baffling to see him release something this uninspired. The cast is stacked - Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan - and Soderbergh himself handles the directing, cinematography, and editing. On paper, it sounds like a recipe for something stylish and engaging. Instead, we’re left with a dull plot, flat characters, and a story that never manages to spark any emotion. It actually reminded me of Fincher’s The Killer - not because of a similarly cold protagonist, but because that film, too, felt emotionally hollow. The difference is that The Killer at least had some memorable moments, a distinct visual style, and flashes of directorial precision. This one? Just a hollow mission with nothing to care about.