DirectorSteven Soderbergh’s second film of the year, the espionage thrillerBlack Bag, debuted this Friday to exceptionally positive reviews. It landed in theaters only a few weeks after Soderbergh’s other 2025 release, the innovative horror filmPresence. StarringMichael FassbenderandCate Blanchettin the lead roles,Black Bagis an exercise in cinematic style, like most of Soderbergh’s recent output. The movie is aiming for modest box office returns this weekend, as it competes for eyeballs against fellow new releaseNovocaine, starringJack Quaid.
Incidentally,both films received the same grade on CinemaScore, the polling platform that tabulates how likely a viewer is to recommend a film to others.Black Bag’s B CinemaScore puts it ahead ofPresence, which debuted with a C+ grade earlier this year. But horror movies tend to score lower anyway.Black Bag’s B doesn’t inspire much confidence, especially considering how reluctant audiences seem to have become about stepping out of their houses for certain types of films. Produced ona reported budget of $50 million,Black Bagis looking at a rather low $6 million opening weekend hauldomestically. The movie is expected to settle for the third position, behindNovocaineand last week’s holdover release,Mickey 17.
Interestingly, all three films have earned the same grade according to CinemaScore; a higher grade usually translates to longer legs at the box office, while a lower grade foreshadows a short run. Soderbergh has been directing at a steady clip in the post-pandemic era. Between 2020 and 2022, he released three films —Let Them All Talk,No Sudden Move, andKimi— for streaming platforms. His 2023 release,Magic Mike’s Last Dance, made over $50 million worldwide.Presenceconcluded its global run with just under $10 million.
‘Black Bag’ Has Earned Stellar Reviews
Black Bagis arguably his best-reviewed film of the post-pandemic era. It holds a “fresh” 97% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, whose consensus reads, “Sleek in design and spiked with dry wit,Black Bagis an exemplary espionage caper that lets movie stars like Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender do what they do best – light up the screen.“In his review, Collider’sRoss Bonaimewrote, “Black Bagis yet another example that Soderbergh can basically make any genre his own, and thrive in it.” Also starringMarisa Abela,Naomie Harris,Tom Burke,Regé-Jean Page, andPierce Brosnan,Black Bagis playing in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Black Bag is a Steven Soderbergh directed thriller from Focus Features. Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé Jean Page and Marisa Abela lead the cast, along with Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Burke. The story, which is currently under wraps, was written by David Koepp.
