The 355 is an action-packed international spy thriller directed by Simon Kinberg, starring a star-studded ensemble cast including Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong’o, and Fan Bingbing. Released on January 7, 2022, the film follows a group of elite female intelligence agents from different global agencies who must overcome their professional rivalries to retrieve a top-secret technological “drive” capable of destabilizing the world’s digital infrastructure. Despite its ambitious global scale and high-octane stunts, the film received mixed critical reviews but has maintained a dedicated audience on streaming platforms like Peacock as of 2026.
Origin of the Title “355”
The film’s title is deeply rooted in American espionage history, serving as a tribute to one of the first female spies in the United States.
The Real Agent 355
The “355” refers to the codename of an unidentified female spy who served in the Culper Ring during the American Revolution. While her true identity remains a mystery to historians, she was a pivotal operative for George Washington, and her legacy inspired Jessica Chastain to pitch the concept of a modern-day female-led spy collective.
Thematic Significance
In the context of the film, “355” is used by the protagonist Mason “Mace” Browne as a symbol of the invisible, yet essential, work performed by women in intelligence. By the film’s conclusion, the core team adopts this title as an unofficial moniker for their rogue operative group.
The 355 Ensemble Cast
The film’s primary draw is its diverse, A-list cast representing various international intelligence agencies and specialized skill sets.
Core Operatives
Jessica Chastain (Mace): A wild-card CIA operative whose mission to retrieve the drive is upended by personal loss and organizational betrayal.
Diane Kruger (Marie): A German BND agent with a cold exterior and a history of family betrayal that fuels her ruthless field tactics.
Lupita Nyong’o (Khadijah): A former MI6 operative and cutting-edge cyber-intelligence expert who provides the team’s technological backbone.
Penélope Cruz (Graciela): A Colombian DNI psychologist who is thrust into the field despite having no prior combat experience, providing the group’s emotional core.
Fan Bingbing (Lin Mi Sheng): A mysterious MSS agent from China who tracks the team through Shanghai and holds the key to the final showdown.
Supporting Antagonists
Sebastian Stan plays Nick Fowler, Mace’s partner and love interest who is later revealed to be a mole for the criminal mastermind Elijah Clarke (Jason Flemyng). Their betrayal serves as the catalyst for the women to go rogue and form their own independent unit.
Global Filming Locations
The production of The 355 was a truly international affair, with principal photography spanning three continents to give the film its authentic “globe-trotting” feel.
Paris, France: The high-stakes opening chase sequence took place in the streets and cafes of Paris, including locations near the Pont Louis-Philippe.
Marrakech, Morocco: The production utilized the bustling markets and rooftops of Morocco for the sequence where the team first attempts to apprehend the thief.
London, UK: Many interior scenes and safe-house sequences were filmed in and around London, which also served as a hub for the production’s technical crew.
Kent, UK: The Fairbourne Reservoir near Harrietsham was used to depict Graciela’s home in Colombia.
The film’s finale, set in Shanghai, used a combination of on-location footage and studio sets to create the glamorous auction house environment where the technological superweapon is ultimately recovered.
Practical Information and Viewing
For those looking to watch The 355 or learn more about its technical specifications in 2026, the following details are essential.
Where to Watch: The film is currently available for streaming on Peacock and is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Run Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, brief strong language, and suggestive material.
Budget vs. Box Office: The film was produced on a budget of approximately $75 million but was considered a box office disappointment, grossing roughly $27.8 million worldwide during its initial 2022 run.
Tips for Viewers
If you enjoy tactical spy thrillers like the Jason Bourne series or Mission: Impossible, focus on the technical choreography of the Moroccan chase scene and the Shanghai auction sequence, which are widely considered the film’s action highlights.
Potential for a Sequel in 2026
As of early 2026, there has been no official greenlight for The 355 Part 2.
The first film’s ending deliberately left the door open for a franchise, with the core team escaping CIA custody and neutralizing Nick Fowler, suggesting they would continue to operate as a rogue, international “355” unit. However, the financial loss incurred by Universal Pictures makes a direct theatrical sequel unlikely. Discussions have occasionally surfaced regarding a potential limited series reboot for streaming platforms, though no cast members have officially signed on to return as of this year.
FAQs
What is the meaning of the title The 355?
The title refers to Agent 355, the real-life but unidentified female spy who operated during the American Revolution. In the movie, it represents a sisterhood of female agents who work in the shadows.
Who is the villain in The 355?
The primary antagonist is Elijah Clarke, but the most significant betrayal comes from Nick Fowler (played by Sebastian Stan), Mace’s partner who is revealed to be a double agent.
Where was the auction scene filmed?
While set in Shanghai, the glamorous auction house sequence was largely filmed on sets designed to replicate the high-end art galleries and modern architecture of the Chinese metropolis.
Is The 355 on Netflix?
In some regions, The 355 is available on Netflix, but in the United States, it is primarily streamed on Peacock, which is owned by NBCUniversal.
Why did the movie flop at the box office?
Analysts point to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on theater attendance in January 2022 and stiff competition from Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Do the women get the drive back at the end?
Yes, after a series of twists in Shanghai, the women recover the decryption drive. Khadijah (Lupita Nyong’o) successfully destroys the program to prevent it from ever being used again.
Is there a post-credits scene in The 355?
No, there is no post-credits scene. The story concludes with a final scene two months later, where the women reunite to punish Nick for his crimes.
Who directed The 355?
The film was directed by Simon Kinberg, who is also known for his work on the X-Men franchise, including Dark Phoenix.
Did Fan Bingbing actually film with the other actresses?
Due to legal issues in China at the time of filming, Fan Bingbing filmed many of her scenes separately, with her character being integrated through clever editing and digital work until the Shanghai sequence.
Is Agent 355 a real person?
Yes, Agent 355 was a real spy for George Washington’s Culper Ring, though her identity remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the American Revolution.
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