Released in 2015, Spectre marks the 24th installment in the James Bond franchise. Directed by Sam Mendes and penned by John Logan, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade, this action-packed spy film continues Daniel Craig's portrayal of the iconic MI6 agent. It weaves together multiple narrative threads centered around a clandestine organization: Spectre. Alongside Craig, Léa Seydoux and Christoph Waltz deliver pivotal performances in a story blending international conspiracy with personal betrayals. The film will also be available on Netflix from January 15, 2026 in France.
It all begins with an order from the past: Bond, cut off from his agency’s chain of command, follows a trail that leads from Mexico City to Rome and brings him into contact with a clandestine circle. Disguised within a secret gathering, he uncovers the existence of a sprawling organization called Spectre, whose activities appear to weave together threats that were previously considered separate. The deeper he digs, the more the case reveals itself as a carefully crafted web spun around MI6.
In London, the agency is facing a legitimacy crisis: the future of MI6 is also being decided within its walls, as new security structures exert increasing pressure. While M struggles to keep the service afloat, Bond enlists the help of Moneypenny and Q to track down Madeleine Swann, Mr. White’s daughter, who might hold the key to uncovering the organization’s nerve center. This alliance shifts the mission onto a more personal battlefield: the man behind Spectre, Franz Oberhauser, appears to have a troubling connection to Bond, transforming the investigation into a personal confrontation.
Following Skyfall, Sam Mendes returns for a second Bond installment, aiming to blend a more “classic” aesthetic — showcasing glamorous locations, cars, lighting, and tailored suits — with a tighter focus on 007’s past. This film marks the return of Spectre to the big screen, an organization that has appeared in several iconic entries throughout the franchise’s history, allowing the Craig era to reconnect with a more “serial” Bond universe from previous decades. In terms of production, 007 Spectre opts for shooting on 35mm film, contrasting with the digital shift seen in the previous installment, and features a series of daring set pieces — from the opening sequence during Día de Muertos in Mexico to chase scenes, stunts, and explosions primarily performed in real conditions.
Filming began in December 2014 and took place across various locations, including the United Kingdom (London and nearby areas), Italy (Rome), Austria (snowy scenes and alpine landscapes), Morocco (notably Tangier and Erfoud), and Mexico. The production also built several sets at Pinewood Studios, particularly for intricate interior scenes requiring precise lighting and effects. Musically, the opening theme is led by “Writing’s on the Wall,” performed by Sam Smith—a song that earned accolades at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Building on the spy thriller genre, the film weaves together two core tensions: the international manhunt for a shadowy network and the questioning of the MI6’s role at a time when surveillance and intelligence centralization become political battlegrounds. Introducing Madeleine Swann injects a more emotional, vulnerable dimension to the story, while the antagonist (portrayed by Christoph Waltz) poses a threat that is both psychological and strategic. The film appeals to fans of action and espionage sagas, especially those invested in the ongoing narrative thread of the Craig era, from Casino Royale to Skyfall.
007 Spectre
Film | 2015
Release date: November 10, 2015
Available on Netflix starting January 15, 2026
Action, Spy | Duration: 2h 30m
Directed by Sam Mendes | Starring Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux, Christoph Waltz
Original title: Spectre
Countries: UK, USA
With its deliberate return to the mythos of “Spectre,” its richly crafted worlds, and a more introspective tone, 007 Spectre stands as a pivotal chapter in Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond. The film seeks to bridge the personal—memories, loyalty, attachment—with the spectacular—missions, chases, large-scale operations—while staying true to the franchise’s core conventions.
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