Wasp Network

Penélope Cruz and the Star-Studded Spy Drama: Behind the Scenes of Wasp Network

Olivier Assayas’ Wasp Network (2020) arrived with a buzzworthy cast and a real-life Cold War espionage story at its core, but the film’s journey from script to screen was as layered as its plot. Starring Penélope Cruz, Edgar Ramírez, and Gael García Bernal, the movie dives into the true story of Cuban spies embedded in 1990s Florida, blending political intrigue with personal drama. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what we know about the making of this Netflix-backed thriller—and why it turned heads before it even hit screens.

A Festival Darling with Mixed Reception

Wasp Network premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, where it became an early talking point for its star power and Assayas’ reputation for crafting atmospheric dramas. Cruz, a frequent collaborator with Assayas (Personal Shopper, Clouds of Sils Maria), was a standout presence at the premiere, drawing attention for her role as Olga Salanueva, the wife of a Cuban intelligence officer . The film’s 123-minute runtime and thriller label suggested a taut, suspenseful ride, but early reactions were decidedly mixed.

Critics and audiences on SensCritique gave it a lukewarm 5.6/10, citing pacing issues and a narrative that struggled to balance its sprawling cast of characters . Rotten Tomatoes’ sparse early data didn’t offer a full consensus, but the film’s reception hinted at a divide: Assayas’ fans appreciated his signature style, while others found the story overly convoluted . Still, the Venice premiere cemented its status as a prestige project, with Cruz’s involvement ensuring red-carpet glamour .

The Netflix Factor: A Global Stage for a Niche Story

Wasp Network was one of Netflix’s high-profile acquisitions in 2020, a year when the streamer doubled down on international co-productions. The film’s multinational roots—spanning France, Spain, Belgium, and Brazil—reflected Assayas’ global approach to storytelling . But while Netflix’s reach guaranteed a wide audience, it also meant the movie competed in a crowded field of originals, where buzz could fade quickly.

Reviews on the platform were polarized. Some viewers praised the film’s ambition and performances, particularly Ana de Armas (in a supporting role) and Wagner Moura, whose turn as a Cuban spy added gravitas . Others, however, found the film’s nonlinear structure and dense political backdrop hard to follow, with one Netflix-focused review calling the ending "confusing" and in need of explanation . The streamer’s algorithm likely played a role in how the film was discovered—or overlooked—but its very presence on Netflix signaled Assayas’ ability to secure backing for niche, politically charged projects.

Assayas’ Vision: Fact vs. Fiction

Olivier Assayas has never shied away from real-life inspiration, and Wasp Network was no exception. The film is based on **Fernando Morais’ book The Last Soldiers of the Cold War, which chronicles the true story of the Cuban Five**, a group of intelligence officers arrested in the U.S. in the late 1990s . Assayas, known for his eclectic filmography (Irma Vep, Summer Hours), brought his signature blend of realism and psychological depth to the material, though he took creative liberties to streamline the sprawling narrative.

In interviews around the Venice premiere, Assayas hinted at the challenges of adapting such a complex story. He described the film as a "human drama" rather than a straightforward spy thriller, emphasizing the personal toll of espionage on the characters . This approach may have contributed to the film’s divisive reception—fans of Assayas’ introspective style appreciated the nuance, while others expected a more conventional thriller.

The Cast’s Cuban Connection

The ensemble cast brought star power to a story deeply rooted in Cuban history, and several actors had personal ties to the region. Edgar Ramírez, who played Cuban spy René González, is Venezuelan and has frequently portrayed Latin American figures in films like Carlos (also directed by Assayas) . Gael García Bernal, another Assayas collaborator (The King of Hell), added to the film’s international appeal, while Ana de Armas, then on the cusp of Blonde and No Time to Die fame, delivered a scene-stealing turn as a Miami-based operative .

Penélope Cruz, meanwhile, was the film’s biggest draw. Her role as Olga Salanueva—a woman caught between loyalty to her husband and the harsh realities of his double life—showcased her ability to convey quiet devastation. At the Venice premiere, Cruz was the undisputed star, with media focusing on her red-carpet looks as much as her performance . Her involvement likely helped secure financing and distribution, but it also raised expectations that the film struggled to meet universally.

**Why Wasp Network Faded Fast**

Despite its pedigree, Wasp Network quickly slipped from the cultural conversation. The film’s mixed reviews, combined with Netflix’s algorithm-driven release strategy, meant it never gained the traction of Assayas’ earlier works or the streamer’s bigger originals. Rumors of behind-the-scenes tension or production challenges never surfaced in the available evidence, suggesting the film’s struggles were more about execution than drama .

One possible reason for its muted impact? The story’s political complexity. The Cuban Five case remains a contentious topic, and Assayas’ attempt to humanize both sides of the conflict may have alienated viewers looking for clear heroes and villains. The film’s nonlinear timeline and large cast also made it a tough sell for casual audiences, despite its A-list talent.