The 2022 spy thriller The 355 remains a significant entry in the action genre, featuring a powerhouse international cast led by Jessica Chastain. As of 2026, the film is widely available on global streaming platforms, including Netflix in various regions and Peacock in the United States, following its licensing windows.
Overview of The 355
When The 355 first hit theaters in January 2022, it arrived with massive expectations. Born from the idea of Jessica Chastain wanting to create a female-led ensemble spy film in the vein of The Mission: Impossible or James Bond series, the movie gathered some of the most acclaimed actresses from around the world. The title itself is a tribute to "Agent 355," the code name of a female spy who played a pivotal role during the American Revolution but whose true identity remains a historical mystery.
The plot centers on a top-secret weapon—a "drive" capable of accessing any digital system on the planet, potentially triggering global catastrophe—that falls into the hands of mercenaries. To recover it, CIA operative Mason "Mace" Browne must join forces with rival agents from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Colombia, while being tracked by a mysterious woman from China.
In 2026, the film continues to find new audiences through digital streaming. While its initial theatrical run was met with mixed critical reviews, it has gained a "cult" following among fans of high-octane action and those who appreciate the chemistry between its A-list leads.
The Core Cast: The International Spies
The primary draw of The 355 is its ensemble. Each actress represents a different national intelligence agency, bringing a unique set of skills and a distinct cultural perspective to the mission.
Jessica Chastain as Mason "Mace" Browne (CIA)
Jessica Chastain plays the central protagonist, Mace, a volatile but highly skilled CIA officer. Chastain, who was also a producer on the film, portrays Mace as a character who has sacrificed her personal life for her country. By 2026, Chastain’s performance is viewed as one of her most physically demanding roles, showcasing her ability to anchor a big-budget action franchise.
Diane Kruger as Marie Schmidt (BND)
German actress Diane Kruger plays Marie Schmidt, an operative for the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND). Marie is the "lone wolf" of the group, initially acting as a foil to Mace. Her character is characterized by a cold professionalism and a deep-seated distrust of others, a result of her tragic backstory involving her father. Kruger performed many of her own stunts, contributing to the film's gritty realism.
Lupita Nyong'o as Khadijah Adiyeme (MI6)
Lupita Nyong'o portrays Khadijah, a former MI6 agent who has transitioned into the private sector as a cutting-edge cyber-security expert. Unlike her teammates, Khadijah is not a field agent by choice; she is brought in for her unparalleled technical skills. Nyong'o brings a grounded, intellectual energy to the group, serving as the "brains" of the operation.
Penélope Cruz as Graciela Rivera (DNI)
Penélope Cruz takes on the role of Graciela, a psychologist for Colombia’s Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DNI). Unlike the others, Graciela is not a combat specialist. She is an ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, driven by the desire to return home to her family. Cruz provides the emotional heart of the film, highlighting the human cost of espionage.
Fan Bingbing as Lin Mi Sheng (MSS)
Fan Bingbing plays Lin Mi Sheng, a mysterious agent for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS). For much of the film, her motives remain ambiguous, and she operates in the shadows. Her character is a master of observation and traditional combat, eventually revealing herself as a crucial ally in the fight against the global threat.
Supporting Cast and Antagonists
The film also features a strong supporting cast that provides the necessary tension and high stakes required for a spy thriller.
- Sebastian Stan as Nick Fowler: A fellow CIA officer and Mace’s partner (and romantic interest). Stan, well-known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, plays a character whose true allegiances become a central plot point.
- Edgar Ramírez as Luis Rojas: A Colombian DNI agent who initially possesses the drive. His character's fate serves as the catalyst that brings Graciela into the field.
- Jason Flemyng as Elijah Clarke: The primary antagonist, a wealthy and ruthless criminal mastermind seeking to sell the drive to the highest bidder.
Cast and Character Summary Table
| Actor | Character | Agency/Role | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Chastain | Mason "Mace" Browne | CIA (USA) | Field Combat & Strategy |
| Lupita Nyong'o | Khadijah Adiyeme | MI6 (UK - Former) | Cyber-security & Hacking |
| Diane Kruger | Marie Schmidt | BND (Germany) | Stealth & Tactical Assault |
| Penélope Cruz | Graciela Rivera | DNI (Colombia) | Intelligence & Psychology |
| Fan Bingbing | Lin Mi Sheng | MSS (China) | Surveillance & Martial Arts |
| Sebastian Stan | Nick Fowler | CIA (USA) | Deep Cover Operations |
| Edgar Ramírez | Luis Rojas | DNI (Colombia) | Field Intelligence |
Streaming Information: Where to Watch in 2026
In 2026, the streaming landscape for The 355 is determined by regional licensing agreements. Because the film was distributed by Universal Pictures, its primary "home" in the United States remains Peacock. However, Universal frequently licenses its library to Netflix and other platforms.
Streaming on Netflix
As of mid-2026, The 355 is available on Netflix in several international territories, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of Western Europe. In the United States, the film occasionally appears on Netflix for limited six-month windows due to the "Pay-2" licensing deal between Universal and Netflix. If you cannot find it on Netflix in your region, it is likely residing on a local provider like Sky (UK) or Binge (Australia).
Other Streaming Options
- Peacock (US): The most consistent platform for viewing the film in the United States.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for digital rental or purchase globally.
- Apple TV / iTunes: Available in 4K HDR for digital purchase.
- Hulu: Occasionally available as part of a premium add-on package.
Behind the Scenes: From Concept to Screen
The production of The 355 was unique because it was largely driven by the cast. During the filming of Dark Phoenix, Jessica Chastain proposed the idea to director Simon Kinberg. The goal was to create a film where the female characters were not "gender-swapped" versions of male heroes, but rather unique individuals with their own motivations and backgrounds.
The film was shot on location in Paris, London, Morocco, and Taipei, lending an authentic, global feel to the cinematography. The production faced significant challenges, including a delay in filming due to global events in 2020 and 2021, but eventually completed principal photography with a focus on practical effects and real-world locations.
Technical Depth: The Cinematography and Stunts
Directed by Simon Kinberg and with cinematography by Tim Maurice-Jones, the film utilizes a "shaky-cam" aesthetic during action sequences to heighten the sense of urgency. This style was popularized by the Bourne franchise. The stunt coordination team worked extensively with the lead actresses to ensure that the hand-to-hand combat felt visceral. For example, Diane Kruger’s character Marie uses a very aggressive, direct style of combat, while Fan Bingbing’s Lin Mi Sheng employs more fluid, traditional martial arts techniques.
Why The 355 Matters in 2026
Four years after its release, The 355 is often cited in discussions regarding the evolution of female-led action cinema. While it may not have reinvented the genre's wheel, its commitment to a diverse, international cast was ahead of its time.
The movie avoids many of the clichés found in traditional spy films. There is a notable absence of "damsel in distress" tropes; instead, the characters must navigate the complexities of their professions while balancing personal losses and the ethical dilemmas of state-sponsored espionage. In 2026, the film is a staple for fans of the genre who appreciate seeing high-level craft from veteran actresses who are usually seen in dramatic Oscar-contending roles rather than action blockbusters.
Critical Analysis and Reception
Upon its 2022 release, The 355 received a lukewarm reception from critics, often being criticized for its familiar plot beats. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a lower critical score compared to its audience score, which is significantly higher.
Audiences generally praised:
- The Chemistry: The interactions between the five leads are the film's strongest asset.
- Action Choreography: The escape sequences and the final confrontation are high-energy and well-paced.
- Representation: The film successfully integrates different languages and cultural backgrounds without making them feel like caricatures.
Critics, however, noted that the screenplay occasionally relied on spy movie tropes, such as the "magical technology" (the drive) that could end the world, which felt somewhat dated even in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a sequel to The 355 in development for 2026?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel to The 355. While the ending of the film left the door open for future missions with the team, the modest box office performance in 2022 made a direct theatrical sequel unlikely. However, there have been rumors of a potential limited series reboot for streaming platforms, though nothing has been confirmed by Universal Pictures.
Why is the movie called "The 355"?
The title refers to Agent 355, a real-life (though unidentified) female spy who served in the Culper Ring during the American Revolutionary War. She provided vital intelligence to George Washington. In the film, Jessica Chastain’s character explains that "355" is now a slang term used by female intelligence officers to honor the trailblazing women who came before them.
Did the actresses do their own stunts?
Most of the lead actresses performed a significant portion of their own stunts. Diane Kruger and Jessica Chastain, in particular, underwent months of tactical training and fight choreography. For the more dangerous sequences, such as high-altitude falls or complex vehicle maneuvers, professional stunt doubles were used to ensure safety.
What is the "drive" in the movie, and is it realistic?
In the film, the "drive" is a cyber-weapon capable of "crashing any system, from a power grid to a financial market." While the specific device is a fictionalized "MacGuffin," the concept of cyber-warfare and the vulnerability of global infrastructure to sophisticated hacking is a very real concern in modern international security.
Where can I find photos and behind-the-scenes footage?
The best place to find high-resolution photos and "making-of" featurettes is through the official Universal Pictures website or the "Extras" section on streaming platforms like Peacock and Apple TV. Many of the actresses also shared extensive behind-the-scenes content on their official Instagram profiles during the production.
Final Recommendation
If you are a fan of ensemble action movies like Ocean's 8 or the Mission: Impossible series, The 355 is well worth a watch in 2026. While the plot follows a traditional spy thriller path, the sheer talent of the cast elevates the material. The film is best enjoyed on a large screen with a high-quality sound system to appreciate the sound design of the action sequences.
To watch it now, check your local Netflix library or head to Peacock in the US. If you are interested in the historical context of the title, researching the Culper Ring and the real Agent 355 provides a fascinating companion to the fictional story.
