Michael Fassbenderhas enjoyed an extraordinary career, bridging decades of storytelling. Unfortunately, his productivity generally declined in the 2020s. After thecritically pannedX-Men: Dark Phoenix(2019), the actor stepped away from Hollywood for several years. He instead took time to focus on his career as a professional racer. Consequently,he did not star in a single movie between 2020 and 2022. This was a natural decision during the pandemic, as Hollywood faced hardship during that period. Still, there was no evidence that Fassbender would have the chance to return due to insurance issues.
Fassbender did not stay away forever, thankfully.The actor returned to the screen in 2023forThe KillerandNext Goal Winsand also starred inKneecapin 2024. These movies have been coming slowly compared to therest of Fassbender’s career. He was previously capable of starring in three films in one calendar year. Now, he appears in only one or two each year, which now includes a new niche in the industry. Rather than appearing in epic superhero movies, he has leaned towards espionage thrillers, and his latest may just be his best.
Black Bag Is Already A Critical Darling
It Is Fassbender’s Best-Reviewed Performance
Fassbender has officially set a new Rotten Tomatoes record with his latest spy movie,Black Bag. He stars as George Woodhouse, an intelligence officer sent to investigate a massive intelligence threat. Unfortunately, Woodhouse quickly discovers that his wife (Cate Blanchett) is a potential suspect after being given a list of five names. With the film now out in theaters,ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki calledBlack Bag"suspenseful without needing high-octane action sequences" that remains “fun yet debonair”.
Black Bagreportedly had a $50 million budget.
The thrillermay be stumbling financially with its $6 million weekend, but it still offered an extraordinary achievement for Fassbender, thanks to itsRotten Tomatoesscore. The movie has earned a97% Tomatometer score, thebest rating in Fassbender’s career so far. The 97% score surpasses12 Years a Slave(2013),Kneecap(2024), and even the acclaimedBand of Brothers. On the other hand, the Popcornmeter score has not been quite as explosive, as it currently sits at the 75% mark. Check out the chart below, which compares Fassbender’s top movies and shows:
97%
75%
96%
95%
12 Years a Slave(2013)
90%
94%
68%
Our Take On Black Bag’s Critical Success
Fassbender Just Keeps Upping The Ante
Fassbender has starred in a litany of incredible movies throughout his career. He made his film debut in300(2007) and starred inInglourious Basterds(2009),X-Men: First Class(2011), and the sci-fi horrorPrometheus(2012). These movies proved to have a lasting impact and spanned through numerous genres, but they were all surpassed by Fassbender’s latest work. IfBlack Bagcould stand out so prominently against the rest of his movies and shows, then it is truly worth watching.
Critics generally praised the complex writing, the depth behind the mystery, and Fassbender’s performance. The few negative reviewers argue that it has a painfully slow pace. Interestingly enough, the positive reviews agree. Most claim that the trickling pace is part of what makes it so fascinating. Audiences have been more critical, arguing that the story was confusing and uninteresting. Regardless of the individual responses, it is impossible to deny thatBlack Baghas earned a positive reputation. That only makes me more excited about future Fassbender projects.
