At 81 years old and with an illustrious career spanning over fifty years, Robert De Niro has showcased his incredible versatility by embodying a wide array of characters, from heroic figures to notorious villains. In Netflix’s highly anticipated six-episode limited series, Zero Day, premiering on February 20, De Niro takes on the compelling role of a former U.S. President. This character, George Mullen, initially appears to be a virtuous leader reminiscent of Josiah Bartlet, but as the story unfolds, his complexities and flaws are revealed. Crafting Mullen into a multidimensional character is crucial to the narrative, particularly as Zero Day centers around a devastating cyberterrorist attack on America. Mullen finds himself tasked with investigating the incident and uncovering the truth behind it.
As with many gripping political thrillers, Zero Day thrives on unexpected twists and turns, although not every plot development resonates perfectly. Nevertheless, the series features an impressive ensemble cast that includes not only De Niro but also Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine, and Angela Bassett. This all-star lineup transforms Zero Day into an acting tour de force, keeping viewers engaged even when the pacing occasionally falters. Fans of acclaimed series like The West Wing and Homeland will find Zero Day particularly appealing.
Discover the Intriguing Premise of ‘Zero Day’
With Eric Newman, the creative force behind Narcos, co-creating and overseeing the series, alongside Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her work on Mad Men and Homeland, viewers can expect a well-crafted narrative from the outset. Early in the first episode of Zero Day, we learn that Mullen was the last effective U.S. President who could bridge party divides. His popularity was immense, and he could have pursued re-election, but tragedy struck when he lost his son, leading him to step away from politics. The initial scenes rely heavily on dialogue, presenting Mullen’s virtues rather than allowing viewers to witness them in action.
As the plot unfolds, America faces a critical challenge when cyberterrorists launch an attack, resulting in nationwide power outages lasting a full minute. All citizens receive a chilling message on their phones indicating that this attack could happen again. The focus then shifts to the current U.S. President, Evelyn Mitchell (played by Bassett), who is tasked with uncovering the perpetrators behind the attack that resulted in thousands of casualties. She calls upon Mullen to lead a specialized commission aimed at solving this crisis and ensuring justice is served. Despite Mullen’s popularity and bipartisan support, he grapples with his own inner demons, often finding himself tempted to stray from ethical and legal boundaries in pursuit of justice.
‘Zero Day’ Lacks a Comprehensive Portrayal of the Attack’s Aftermath
A political thriller’s effectiveness hinges on the strength of its inciting incident, and this is where Zero Day falls short. The terrorist attack, which should have been portrayed as a significant and far-reaching event, is instead depicted through limited glimpses that fail to convey its full impact. While we hear about the tragedy and learn that three thousand lives were lost, the series does not visually represent the associated devastation. This does not necessitate a shift toward a Roland Emmerich-style disaster film with excessive explosions, but the emotional weight and shock of the incident lose their potency when viewers are not privy to its consequences.
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Instead, Zero Day focuses primarily on the reactions and interactions within Mullen’s inner circle. While the atmosphere in the streets is charged with fear and anger, with instances of panic such as customers storming a bank during a shutdown, these scenes are scarce. The series tends to concentrate on Mullen and his team, but it would have been beneficial to occasionally shift the focus elsewhere. The staggering death toll evokes real-world events, such as the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and it prompts viewers to consider the impact of such tragedies, yet we only hear about these events rather than experiencing them firsthand.
Engaging Characters and a Gripping Finale Make ‘Zero Day’ a Must-Watch
Despite these shortcomings, Zero Day compensates with a stellar cast. De Niro occupies the spotlight in most scenes, and given his often controversial political views, does the series risk becoming a platform for liberal ideals? While there are moments that lean in that direction, the show manages to remain balanced. Mullen, at eighty, has a complex backstory involving bipartisan collaboration, a son with addiction issues, and a decision to withdraw from the Presidential race, making it easy to draw parallels to real-life situations. Additionally, Evelyn Mitchell stands out as a Black woman in the role of President, adding depth to the narrative, while Dan Stevens portrays Evan Green, a conspiracy theorist with his own TV show, and Gaby Hoffman features as Monica Kidder, a tech billionaire with autism who owns a social media platform.
Fortunately, Zero Day presents a world that initially mirrors our reality but diverges into its unique storyline, particularly as the search for the terrorists intensifies. Mullen and his team initially suspect Russia, but that would be too straightforward. As Mullen navigates a mix of allies and adversaries, this aspect of the series truly shines. Lizzy Caplan plays Mullen’s daughter, Alex, a Congresswoman who is frustrated with the special commission, while Jesse Plemons portrays Roger, Mullen’s most loyal advisor, who harbors dark secrets. Connie Britton takes on the role of Valerie, the former chief of staff, and Matthew Modine portrays Richard Dreyer, the Speaker of the House opposing Mullen’s efforts. Regrettably, Joan Allen is underutilized in her role as Mullen’s wife, reducing her to a secondary character despite her talent.
As the narrative unfolds, Mullen’s character is revealed to be far from the idealized leader initially presented. He makes significant errors and strays from his moral compass, yet he remains grounded and relatable. Additionally, he experiences unsettling visions and hears voices, raising doubts about his mental state. Is he being psychologically targeted, or is he descending into madness? This culminates in a surprising twist ending that may initially seem excessive but becomes clearer as the plot thickens. The finale stands out as Zero Day‘s strongest episode, showcasing Mullen’s journey to uncover the truth and fight for his life against the true culprits. Although Zero Day aims for lofty heights similar to shows like Homeland, its six-episode arc successfully delivers a thrilling experience without overstaying its welcome.
