EPISODE · Mar 20, 2025 · 44 MIN

"Black Bag"

from The Strange Harbors Podcast · host Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray

This week, we review director Steven Soderbergh's second film to be released in as many months. Black Bag sure is steamy — Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett playing married spooks certainly heightens its seductiveness — but its real heat lies in its surprising juxtaposition, honing in on a passionate kernel of loyalty and devotion within a sea of spy-versus-spy cynicism: the ultimate, lean expression of “couple goals.” We talk about its razor-sharp screenplay, riveting performances, and unexpected economy.