Netflix’s political thriller “Zero Day” has garnered attention for its ambitious storyline and stellar cast. However, amidst the show’s gripping moments and talented actors, there are undeniable lulls that leave viewers contemplating potential improvements to the central crisis. One can’t help but wonder how much more efficiently the narrative could unfold with the assistance of characters like Owen Hendricks from “The Recruit” or Peter Sutherland from “The Night Agent.”
While recent political thrillers on Netflix have a certain level of interchangeability due to the streamer’s release schedule, “Zero Day” stands out for its intriguing premise and talented ensemble cast. However, the show’s attempts at seriousness sometimes clash with its fundamentally unrealistic and silly storyline. Despite the star-studded lineup, the self-congratulatory tone of the series can make it challenging to fully embrace its narrative.
At the core of “Zero Day” is Robert De Niro’s portrayal of George Mullen, the former nonpartisan president of the United States. Mullen’s post-presidential life takes a mundane turn until a cyberattack dubbed “Zero Day” shakes the country to its core. As chaos ensues, Mullen finds himself thrust into a position of power, leading an investigation to prevent further attacks. However, as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Mullen’s grip on reality may be slipping, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline.
With a supporting cast that includes Joan Allen, Lizzy Caplan, Angela Bassett, and more, “Zero Day” delves into themes of political polarization, technological threats, and the impact of surrendering freedoms. However, the execution of these themes falls short of delivering a profound message, often resorting to surface-level references and thinly veiled critiques of contemporary issues.
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, the series boasts visually appealing aesthetics but struggles with pacing inconsistencies and a lack of engaging character arcs. Despite standout performances from the cast, including Jesse Plemons and Dan Stevens, the show fails to fully capitalize on their talents, overshadowed by De Niro’s central role.
As “Zero Day” reaches its conclusion, the open-ended nature of the story leaves room for potential continuation. However, the lack of compelling insights into modern American life may hinder the show’s longevity. While fans may defend the series’ plausibility, the essence of a good story well-told stands apart from mere realism.
In a landscape saturated with political thrillers, “Zero Day” offers a unique narrative but falls short of creating a truly immersive experience. With room for improvement in pacing, character development, and thematic depth, the series leaves viewers pondering what could have been with the right blend of efficiency and ingenuity.