Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchettt star in this moody spy drama that let both actors shine, and explores the ins and outs of relationships, love and sex in a field where lying is just another day at the office.

George (Fassbender) and Kathryn (Blanchett) are exemplary agents. They are married and there are secrets and trust. And someone is using that against, them. George is a brilliant agent, he can suss out any lie, and his list of suspects over whom has stolen a drive with devastating plans includes his wife, two other agents, Freddie(Tom Burke) and Stokes (Rege-Jean Page), an analyst, Clarissa (Marissa Abela) and the department’s psychiatrist, Dr. Vaughn (Naomie Harris).

Beginning and ending with unnerving dinner parties, where George plies them with insightful if off-putting questions, he finds himself investigating everyone… including Kathryn.

How much do they love one another? If Kathryn has gone rogue can George take he down? or will over trump his actions?

The characters and their inner natures are revealed against beautiful backdrops (and sets – George and Katthryn’s home is stunning) and gorgeously framed shots. It’s not so much a spy movie as a relationship exploration set against lies and mistrust.

The dialogue scenes are tense and fraught with under currents as George conducts his investigation, and his boss, Arthur (Pierce Brosnan) is working to find out what has happened to the stolen plans.

It’s moody, and I thought it was brilliantly done. It looks beautiful, and there are grey areas that all the characters operate in, so is anyone really the good guy?

Despite the sounds of it. It’s not a spy thriller, it’s definitely a character thriller set in the spy realm.

A short run time means that the story doesn’t let up, as characters and narratives twist and turn. And damn, if it isn’t captivating.

Watching the way George executes his craft, and the things we learn about him and the other characters is done so well. David Koepp delivers a smart script which shines in Soderbergh’s hands and he in turn lets his actors really elevate it, making for a piece that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

Each character is cold and calculating, but there is real love there at the same time. In a world where no one can be trusted, George and Kathryn love one another. But do they trust one another?

Soderbergh is a masterful director, and works very well with his actors, and also makes beautiful looking films. He also really knows how to cast his films. This one works. It’s dark, romantic, and tense.

I really enjoyed it.