The secret to a lasting marriage might be found in the lives of married spies, like the protagonists in the stylish spy thriller Black Bag.
George Woodhouse, a seasoned operative at Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre, discovers a list of five colleagues suspected of being moles capable of unleashing a devastating cyberworm. The problem? His wife, Kathryn St. Jean, also a high-ranking spy and the object of his affection, is among them. Confident in their bond, George isn’t overly concerned. He invites the four other suspects to their home for dinner, hoping to expose the traitor. He casually warns his composed wife, adorned in a flowing charmeuse gown, to steer clear of the chana masala, which he has laced with truth serum to loosen tongues.
The potential double agents—played by Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Marisa Abela—are arranged in two couples. One of them points out the limited dating pool for spies. The chic gathering in their stylish London home yields some intriguing cyberspy chatter, including opinions on Edward Snowden. However, it reveals little to George about his wife’s potential involvement. Their work is a topic at home, but only to a certain extent. When a question becomes too sensitive, they use the code phrase “Black Bag” to signal a polite retreat. This is the response George receives when he questions Kathryn about concerning evidence he finds after the party while cleaning up. (This spy-spouse handles both the cooking and the cleaning.) Later, Kathryn invites him to the bedroom, but despite his feelings, George’s trust is wavering.
excels at directing with speed and flair. As a result, his films never feel heavy-handed. Black Bag perfectly captures this essence. Written by David Koepp (of Mission: Impossible fame), the script is full of twists, turns and techno-spy jargon. The film exudes a sleek, understated vibe, reminiscent of a Sade song, though this is arguably a weakness. Black Bag concludes before the viewer can fully immerse themselves. Perhaps it is best described as a delightful amuse-bouche rather than a complete meal.
Would you prefer a perfectly crafted delicacy or a massive plate of nonsense? Black Bag thrives on its subtle humor and the appealing performances of its leads. Blanchett commands the screen with regal grace, while Fassbender imbues George’s cold logic with surprising allure. Like any couple, George and Kathryn have their quirks, daily irritations, and occasional doubts. But when push comes to shove, they stand together. What God has joined, let no one separate, not even pesky cyberworms.
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