Steven Soderbergh asserts that the poor performance of mid-budget films at the box office is "not beneficial for cinema."

      Focus Features

      After the domestic box office performance of Steven Soderbergh's *Black Bag* fell short despite receiving positive reviews, the director contemplated the film's reception. In an interview with The Independent, he expressed concern that the film's lackluster response might signal a troubling trend for Hollywood at large.

      “This is the type of film that established my career,” he stated. “If a mid-range budget, star-led film struggles to draw audiences aged 25 and older—if that truly represents a dead zone—then it bodes poorly for cinema. What will happen to future filmmakers who aspire to create this kind of film?”

      “I am aware, having conversed with a colleague from another studio, that on the Monday following *Black Bag's* release, the morning meeting included discussions about what it means when a film of this nature fails to perform. That’s disheartening,” he added.

      *Black Bag* features Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as two British spies engaging in covert operations against each other. Released by Focus Features, Soderbergh mentioned that the studio indicated the film would ultimately be profitable.

      Nonetheless, the director emphasized, “The reality is that we need to find a way to nurture an audience for films that inhabit this mid-tier space, which aren't extravagant fantasies or low-budget horror films. These are adult-oriented movies, and they must not disappear.”

      Soderbergh remarked that many of his acclaimed films might struggle to get made in the current landscape: “Films like *Erin Brockovich* and *Traffic* likely wouldn’t be produced today. Unless you have someone like Timothée Chalamet, who, bless him, seems interested in exploring diverse roles. However, the opportunities for filmmakers are shrinking.”

      Joe Allen is a freelance writer for Digital Trends, where he covers movies and television, often focusing on streaming…

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      The first is an excellent crime thriller that went largely unnoticed last year. Our second choice features Jude Law in a unique thriller that dramatizes perilous events from the early '80s. Lastly, our third recommendation presents a compelling romance between two of the era's most recognizable TV stars, an unexpected but effective pairing.

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      With such a vast array, the challenge is determining which shows deserve your time. That's why we've compiled a list of three excellent, underrated series currently available on Netflix, all of which can be easily binge-watched over the course of a weekend.

      We also have guides for the top new shows to stream, as well as the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      *Supacell* (2024-)

      *Supacell* | Official Trailer | Netflix

      You might not think you need another superhero story, but *Supacell* aims to change that perception. The series follows a group of Black South London residents who discover their newfound superpowers, with race being the only common thread. As they confront what these abilities mean in their lives, they are united by an individual seeking to harness their power for the greater good.