Zero Day is a political thriller series starring Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, and Joan Allen. Lesli Linka Glatter directed the series, which is streaming on the well-known streaming service Netflix. There have been some gripping thrillers at the moment, such as Paradise, To Catch A Killer, The Recruit, and Reacher.
We can all agree that we can continue using another thriller-boosting entry into our binge-watch routine. This is where Zero Day comes into the fray, where you see De Niro take on a role as a former President of The United States of America.
Zero Day Got Me Hooked
Netflix continues to impress with its binge-worthy streaming series. Zero Day was an engaging political thriller that had me locked in from the beginning, and it got into the action pretty quickly. I am a fan of conspiracy thrillers and American politics, so this series greatly piqued my interest. Zero Day checked off both boxes – so the series had been on my radar for a while. I’m glad I saw the series when it aired on Netflix.
The plot centers on a significant threat that looms over America and its citizens, igniting a race against time against corruption, deception, and total anarchism. The political thriller blends compelling narratives around power, corruption, family dysfunction, public perception, and resilience. I liked Zero Day as a whole because it successfully built up tension and intensity through complex storylines. I also thought it did a nice job of showcasing how people can be capable of responding to actions that put lives at risk.
Zero Day immersed me from start to finish in a world rife with political chess moves and conspiracy. I also thought it did a nice job of touching on the fact that many citizens deeply distrust our government and how it functions. I believe that people’s true character can be revealed during a crisis because we never know what we are capable of once our security and freedoms are threatened.
Do we stand by our moral convictions when everyone and everything you love is under attack? Would we be willing to sacrifice our personal freedoms for the sake of national security and feeling safe? I could not help but ask these questions while binge-watching the series. The characters were authentic, and the premise itself felt very timely. The storylines felt real because I could not help but think of the divided political climate that is plaguing our nation today.
De Niro did a solid job as the former President George Mullen and was at his best in vulnerable moments. One scene in the first episode, in particular, established his character, and De Niro gave a powerful speech that I think can resonate with a lot of Americans who didn’t get a feel that De Niro’s character was based on a real person – at least not from De Niro’s range.
Very Compelling Storyline
Believable Characters
De Niro embodies a seasoned political figure whose past decisions cast some shadows over the present. De Niro’s portrayal of Mullen is nuanced, showcasing a character wrestling with retirement, family, and a complicated political landscape. His co-star, Angela Bassett, plays a huge role in unfolding the drama, playing the current sitting President Evelyn Mitchell. She compliments De Niro in unfolding the complicated world of politics with skill and strategy.
The chemistry between both actors is compelling, and I thought they executed well in portraying characters that have to rely on one another during a crisis. The performance of the supporting cast enhances the narratives, and they flesh out the complexities of politics and how it works. I felt like the supporting cast added so many layers of intrigue and conflict, helping to enhance the story in a forward direction. The writing was outstanding in my eyes dialogue felt real, and the characters hit some powerful lines at the right time.
Balanced Pacing and Good Twists
The pacing is executed perfectly, balancing small interactions and intense political action. There is quite some violence, as with any political thriller – but it is not over-the-top brutal, except for one brutal murder scene. Zero Day immersed me significantly with its plot twists, constantly catching me off-guard till the very end. The creators gave me a sense of direction throughout every episode, employing a nice visual style that complements the narratives of the story. Maybe you could sense some personalities of several recent presidents in Mullen, but none really stood out as definitive.
I was so impressed with the amazing cinematography of the limited series because it captured the setting so well. I felt the weight of the political tensions and the panic amongst the citizens and politicians alike. Of course, the series didn’t hide that some characters had their own personal agendas and flaws.
A Supportive Soundtrack
The music elevates each scene, allowing its presence to increase the intensity of each scene. I thought the music enhanced the suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the series. Zero Day at full speed in touching on moral dilemmas in handling times of trouble, forcing me to reflect on my values and beliefs.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I liked Zero Day, and I can firmly say that it is a binge-worthy watch for streaming fans, especially those who love some thrillers. If you are a political thrill fan, Zero Day offers suspense, drama, conflict, and emotional depth that makes the series worth watching. The actors stayed true to their characters and never took their feet off the gas one time, maintaining a sense of personality and authenticity.
With compelling characters and layered storytelling, this Netflix series will leave a lasting impact as it tackles governance, society, corruption, and politics. Zero Day is a thriller that made me think while keeping my heart racing. This series is a must-see show for all the binge-watchers out there!
