Why The 355 Sparks a Second Life on Netflix: $75M Bomb

An undercover ensemble of five fearless women spies unites in The 355, a globe-trotting action-thriller now streaming on Netflix. Shot across Paris, Morocco, and London, the film stuns with its powerhouse cast and high-stakes espionage—despite a $75 million budget, it shocked many by grossing only $27.8 million worldwide.

Need to Know

• Released theatrically 7 January 2022, now streaming on Netflix as of 21 August 2025.

• Budget: $75 million; Worldwide gross: $27.8 million.

• Filming locations: Paris, London, Morocco.

• Stars Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing.

• Title honors Agent 355, a real Revolutionary-era female spy codename.

Global Spy Ensemble, Real-World Roots

In May 2018, Jessica Chastain proposed a female-led spy film inspired by the Revolutionary War’s Agent 355—a code name for an anonymous female spy. That real history adds unique weight to the story.

High-Budget, High Ambitions, Low Returns

With a reported budget of $75 million, The 355 assembled a starry multinational cast. Despite the ambition, by early 2022 it underperformed at the box office, earning only $27.8 million worldwide.

Locations Fueling the Plot’s Texture

Filmed in Paris, London, and Morocco between mid-2019 and late 2019, the settings lend urgent realism to the story—from Parisian cafés to Moroccan markets buzzing with tension.

Netflix Premiere Finally Lands

After its theatrical and VOD releases in 2022, The 355 finally streams on Netflix from 21 August 2025. This second chance could reignite the interest the movie struggled to capture initially.

Dynamic Female Spy Alliance

The film delivers terse dialogue and bursts of action. Viewers praised the chemistry and intensity: “The movie was great! Strong female leads with lots of action and great acting.”

The 355: Spy Girls

Now available on Netflix, The 355 blends real-world spy history with international intrigue. Its all-female cast and globe-trotting thrills may finally get the recognition overlooked in theaters. Could this revival spark a future franchise? Time will tell.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_355

• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_355

• https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/4-underrated-netflix-movies-watch-091509987.html

• https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/is-355-based-on-true-story-48667187

• https://www.movieinsider.com/m16398/355

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Ben White

Ben White is a film and music journalist with more than 12 years of experience covering global entertainment. His reporting spans cinema, streaming, video games, and music culture, with a focus on how creative industries shape and are shaped by audiences worldwide. His work has been published in leading websites. Over his career, he has interviewed directors, actors, and musicians from across the globe, from the red carpets of Cannes and Venice to intimate studio sessions in London and Los Angeles. Ben is recognized for his expertise in tracking industry shifts, particularly the streaming revolution, the evolution of music documentaries, and the future of iconic franchises such as James Bond. He is also a frequent commentator on Radio and various film podcasts. Beyond journalism, he moderates panels at international festivals and contributes to industry discussions on the intersection of storytelling, technology, and audience engagement.

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