A Whodunit That’s a Who-Cares

Steven Soderberg’s latest cinematic venture, Black Bag, with a screenplay by David Koepp, attempts to intertwine the suspense of a spy thriller with the intrigue of a whodunit story. The premise centres around an international espionage mission gone awry, where every character harbours secrets that could alter the course of the operation. When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse(Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband (Michael Fassbender) – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage or his country.

However, the story falls flat as the characters’ hidden motives are unveiled in a rather predictable manner, leading to a climax that lacks the intended impact.

Cate Blanchett’s performance as the wife under suspicion is good. While her portrayal captures the character’s internal struggles and sharp intelligence, it does little to make the character compelling in the otherwise uninspired plot.

Michael Fassbender, as the enigmatic agent tasked with uncovering a mole within the organisation, is competent but fails to elevate the bland storyline. He brings some charisma to his role as a seasoned operative with a shadowy methodology, but even his chemistry with Blanchett cannot save the film from its lack of depth. Their scenes together, though filled with tension, ultimately feel hollow due to the weak narrative foundation.

Soderberg’s stylish direction, though sharp and witty at times, cannot compensate for the film’s lacklustre screenplay. The dialogue and twists, which are meant to keep the audience guessing, come off as forced and unoriginal. The film’s pacing, while steady, does little to engage the viewer, making the experience feel more like a chore than a thrilling ride.

Black Bag marks the second film released within a year by the director and writer team- the other being the disappointing supernatural horror Presence.

Ultimately, Black Bag is a film that struggles to find its footing. Despite the efforts of its talented cast and director, the story remains uninspiring and unremarkable, failing to provide the captivating cinematic experience it promises.

Black Bag opens in South African cinemas on March 21.

-Dirk Lombard Fourie