Netflix has just dropped a 'must-see political thriller' featuring one of Robert De Niro's most outstanding performances that some thought could have been the next House of Cards. Zero Day, available on the platform from today (February 20), is already attracting viewers and critics alike. The show's synopsis poses a question that resonates with everyone: how do we discern truth in a world seemingly being ripped apart by uncontrollable forces? And in an era teeming with conspiracy theories and deception, to what extent are these forces a result of our own actions or even our own imagination?.
The plot revolves around ex-President George Mullen, portrayed by Robert De Niro, who appears to have retreated from public life after his White House tenure. Despite maintaining an active lifestyle, he grapples with completing his Presidential memoir, particularly when it comes to revisiting certain aspects of his past he'd rather keep out of the spotlight.
However, when a cyberattack on the US leads to thousands of deaths and jeopardises institutions like banks, Mullen is drawn back into the political arena. He is charged with heading the Zero Day commission to uncover who orchestrated the attack and their motives, unearthing numerous secrets along the way, reports Surrey Live.
The series was crafted by Eric Newman, known for his work on Netflix's Griselda and penning episodes for Narcos and NYPD Blue. Robert De Niro spearheads an outstanding ensemble including Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Matthew Modine, Dan Stevens, and Angela Bassett.
All six episodes have dropped on Netflix for viewers to devour, and the critics are starting to weigh in with their thoughts. One noted, "a gripping must-watch political thriller that is sure to have audiences on the edge of their seats." Another commented, "Robert De Niro's morning routine sequences called me lazy in 100 different ways (...) He is one of the best, and I'm grateful that I'm getting to see him give some of the best performances of his career.".
TV Guide described the series as "It's an expensive, well-made, enjoyable product that isn't as serious as it seems. It has the aesthetics of a weighty political drama with the soul of an airport paperback." Collider’s review pointed out, "Zero Day aims high and comes up short of the heights of shows like Homeland, but at six episodes, it manages to be thrilling without overstaying its welcome.".
Despite these reviews, not everyone is convinced by Zero Day's execution, and as it stands, it holds a rather unimpressive 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That figure should shift as additional reviews roll in. There are some mixed reviews for the latest drama however, with one stating: "This could have been Netflix's successor to House of Cards. Instead, it wastes one of the best ensemble casts in recent memory with a story bogged down by red herrings and misdirections while still managing to be somewhat entertaining.".
Meanwhile, accolades are pouring in for Robert De Niro's performance, as another fan raved: "Zero Day is packed with awesome talent, led by De Niro who dissolves into his character and provides an effortless delivery that is brilliant to watch.". Zero Day is streaming on Netflix.
.jpg?auto=webp&width=800)
