Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are set to premiere in Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming spy thriller, Black Bag, and before audiences go to watch it, they should check out these other similar films. Set to premiere on March 14, 2025, Black Bag centers on a couple, Kathryn and George, who are deeply in love. Yet, when George, a spy, learns that Kathryn may be a traitor, he must decide whether he will side with his wife or his agency. Alongside Blanchett and Fassbender, Black Bag stars Pierce Brosnan and Regé-Jean Page.
Based on its premise and early reviews, Black Bag looks particularly exciting. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie already has a 93%, with critics praising it for its smart dialogue, sleek style, and cinematic quality. In some ways, this is no surprise. Soderbergh has helmed countless iconic movies, from Sex, Lies, and Videotape to the Ocean’s franchise. Furthermore, Blanchett and Fassbender are powerhouses, having proven their ability to play cunning and dangerous individuals. In fact, there are a few of their movies audiences may want to see before Black Bag debuts.
4
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
A Convict Plans An Incredible Heist
Ocean’s Eleven
8/10
- Release Date
-
December 7, 2001
One movie that viewers must check out before Black Bag is Ocean’s Eleven. Arguably, this is one of Soderbergh’s greatest movies of all time, and its premise comes somewhat close to that of Black Bag. Released in 2001, Ocean’s Eleven follows Danny Ocean, a skilled thief and conman who is released from prison and quickly finds himself planning another scheme. With the help of fellow criminals, Danny targets three casinos owned by his ex-wife’s boyfriend.
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Black Bag Rotten Tomatoes Debut Marks Steven Soderbergh’s Best Reviewed Movie In Over 35 Years
The Rotten Tomatoes score has arrived for Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, and the film’s debut marks the director’s highest score in 36 years.
When reviewers talk about Black Bag’s slick atmosphere and witty characters, it is hard not to think about Ocean’s Eleven as the movie’s blueprint. Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, is the epitome of a suave criminal mastermind. He is admirable for his skill and also easily redeemable, despite his wrongdoings. It seems inevitable that Black Bag will draw from the same cool intelligence and impressive action that made Ocean’s Eleven such a hit.
3
Tár (2022)
A Renowned Conductor Faces Ruinous Accusations
Tar
9/10
- Release Date
-
October 7, 2022
For those who want to see more of Blanchett before Black Bag premieres, a solid companion to the upcoming movie is Tár. This 2022 film stars Blanchett as Lydia Tár, a world-famous conductor who is on the cusp of greatness. However, her opportunity for renewed fame comes crashing down when she is accused of misconduct. From there, Tár must try to salvage her reputation while dealing with the truth of who she is and what she has done.
In this way, Tár showcases Blanchett’s skill at being a cold and cunning lead character whose story may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Although Tár lacks the criminal subject matter of Black Bag and Ocean’s Eleven, it is still a surprisingly similar movie. In it, Tár is far from being a hero, and like Black Bag, is even framed as a villain. Audiences spend much of the film wondering what Tár has done and who is telling the truth. In this way, Tár showcases Blanchett’s skill at being a cold and cunning lead character whose story may not be as straightforward as it seems.
2
The Killer (2023)
A Skilled Assassin Takes On A Strange Case
The Killer
8/10
- Release Date
-
November 10, 2023
On the other hand, Fassbender starred in a recent movie that is far closer in plot to Black Bag, and definitely worth the watch. The Killer is an action thriller following an unnamed assassin who is undoubtedly skilled at his job. He isn’t bogged down by personal issues or moral debates. Yet, when he takes on a new case, he suddenly begins to wonder if he’s losing his mind, and his calm composure begins to slowly crack.
The Killer is not only another great spy movie, but it also has another iconic director behind it: David Fincher. Fincher crafts a colorful and high-stakes world, while Fassbender is unforgiving in his role, masterfully merging stone-cold killer instincts with a sense of camp and comedy. The Killer may not have the high emotional stakes that Black Bag does, but it certainly offers another glossy (and funny) look into the lives of trained killers.
1
Ocean’s 8 (2018)
A Female Con Artist Carries Out A Heist
Finally, a movie that combines Blanchett’s acting abilities with Soderbergh’s iconic franchise is Ocean’s 8. Though not directed by Soderbergh himself, Ocean’s 8 is the fourth installment in the Ocean’s franchise, and follows Debbie Ocean, the younger sister of the original protagonist, Danny. Out on parole, Debbie gathers an all-female squad of criminals to carry out a heist at the MET Gala, intending to steal millions of dollars worth of diamonds.
|
Every Ocean’s Movie |
Release Year |
|---|---|
|
Ocean’s Eleven |
2001 |
|
Ocean’s Twelve |
2004 |
|
Ocean’s Thirteen |
2007 |
|
Ocean’s Eight |
2018 |
Although Ocean’s 8 is not the most popular of the Ocean’s movies, it is still worth watching for the mixture of Blanchett and Soderbergh. In the film, Blanchett plays Lou, Debbie’s former partner in crime who now owns a bar. As one might expect, Blanchett molds a perfectly suave criminal character, which audiences may see hints of in Black Bag. Ultimately, Ocean’s 8 is the closest viewers can get to Black Bag before its release.
Black Bag
- Release Date
-
March 14, 2025
- Writers
-
David Koepp