Netflix’s Zero Day had the potential to be a gripping political thriller, boasting a star-studded cast led by Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett, along with a timely narrative about cyber warfare and government distrust. However, instead of delivering a sharp, engaging story, the six-part series unfolds at a frustratingly sluggish pace, weighed down by an unfocused storyline and a lack of urgency.
While De Niro’s involvement may initially draw viewers in, the show ultimately struggles to justify his presence, failing to offer significant tension, depth, or originality. Rather than matching the intensity of The Night Agent or embracing the self-aware absurdity of The Recruit, Zero Day finds itself in a murky middle ground—too slow to be entertaining, too shallow to be thought-provoking, and too uninspired to leave a lasting impact.
Zero Day Review: The Good
The series follows George Mullen, a former U.S. president played by Robert De Niro, who is called back into service after a devastating cyberattack results in thousands of deaths. Tasked with leading a commission to identify the hackers, Mullen is presented as a widely respected leader—the last president to command bipartisan support before choosing not to seek re-election following the tragic loss of his son. As the investigation unfolds, the story attempts to tackle contemporary political issues, including the power of tech moguls, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of civil liberties. However, the series fails to commit to these themes long enough to make a meaningful impact.
Angela Bassett portrays the current president who enlists Mullen, while Jesse Plemons plays his fiercely loyal aide. Connie Britton appears as his chief of staff, with whom he shares a complicated past, and Lizzie Caplan plays his estranged daughter. The supporting cast includes Matthew Modine as the Speaker of the House, Dan Stevens as a controversial media figure, and Gaby Hoffmann as a tech mogul reminiscent of Elon Musk. Despite the presence of such talented actors, none of their performances leave a lasting impression, largely due to the script’s lack of depth.
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Zero Day Review: The Bad
One of the show’s biggest flaws is its lack of narrative drive. Political thrillers thrive on intrigue and urgency, but Zero Day moves at an unreasonably slow pace, bogged down by lengthy, dialogue-heavy scenes that fail to push the plot forward. While it attempts to address multiple pressing issues, these themes blend into the background rather than forming a compelling story. Mullen’s character is also inconsistently portrayed—sometimes as a revered statesman, other times as a problematic figure accused of abusing his authority. These contradictions are never fully explored, making his arc feel unconvincing.
The show also struggles with its tone. While it aspires to be a serious and intelligent drama, it lacks the tension and sharp storytelling found in stronger political thrillers. Unlike The Night Agent, which maintains a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative, Zero Day feels bloated and hesitant. Even its twists fail to make an impact, arriving with little setup and even less payoff. The dimly lit cinematography only adds to the sluggishness, making the series feel as lifeless as its storytelling.
The Verdict
Despite its promising premise and heavyweight cast, Zero Day fails to rise above mediocrity. Instead of delivering a tense and thought-provoking thriller, it meanders through a sluggish narrative, weighed down by half-baked ideas and lackluster execution. While Robert De Niro brings a degree of gravitas to his role, even his presence cannot inject enough energy into a story that lacks momentum and coherence. With uninspired twists, a dull visual aesthetic, and an uneven script that never fully commits to its themes, the series ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. In a landscape filled with sharper, more engaging political thrillers, Zero Day simply does not make a strong case for itself.
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