A Thrilling Premise with a Lackluster Execution
Netflix’s latest offering, Zero Day, aims to captivate audiences with a cyber-thriller narrative led by Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. Set against the backdrop of a nationwide cyberattack, the series follows the journey of former U.S. President George Mullen, played by De Niro. Mullen is tasked with a daunting mission: to unmask those behind the crippling assault on the nation’s power grids and communication systems. As tensions escalate, the government urgently establishes the Zero Day Commission, bestowing on Mullen an unprecedented level of authority to thwart a looming second strike.
Surrounding De Niro is a star-studded ensemble, including Angela Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell who faces internal challenges from figures like Congresswoman Lizzy Caplan, who plays Mullen's daughter, and Matthew Modine's Speaker of the House. The plot thickens with its mix of domestic political schemes, where a right-wing commentator, portrayed by Dan Stevens, adds layers of intrigue and suspicion of Russian meddling.
A Missed Opportunity in Modern Political Commentary
Despite its promise and powerful cast, critics argue that Zero Day falters in delivering a coherent and gripping narrative. The characters, while portrayed by talented actors, are seen as one-dimensional, lacking depth and genuine motivation. This critique extends to the show's political commentary, which some view as hollow and filled with overused buzzwords instead of meaningful discourse. Series creators Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt intended to explore timely issues such as misinformation and extremism. However, their vision seems clouded by conflicting ideologies and underdeveloped story arcs.
Director Lesli Linka Glatter’s approach has also come under scrutiny for its slow pacing and conventional visuals that fail to break new ground. The series strives for a nuanced examination of bipartisan blame but ultimately delivers a narrative that meanders without delivering substantive insights into the political climate it seeks to critique.
What emerges from Zero Day is a tale that promised tension and relevancy, yet succumbs to style without substance. While performances are notable, particularly from De Niro and Bassett, the series doesn’t capitalize on its timely subject matter, leaving viewers with an unsatisfying and forgettable experience.