What happens when a nation built on digital infrastructure is struck by a relentless cyber attack that brings down the very foundation it is built on? Netflix’s latest political thriller, “Zero Day,” offers a possible answer to this with a mix of high-stakes drama, spycraft and propaganda manipulation. Starring Robert De Niro (“Killers of The Flower Moon”) in his first leading major TV role, the six-part series plunges the viewer into a world of government manipulation and cyber warfare. With its terrific cast and a script heavily influenced by current fears, “Zero Day” is a hit. While its breakneck pacing and solid acting keep viewers on the edge of their seats, the stumbling over gaping plot holes and underdeveloped storylines dilute its impact.
The series starts with a massive cyberattack called Zero Day that knocks out power grids, communication networks and vital infrastructure across the U.S. Amidst the ensuing hysteria and tragic loss of life, President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett, “9-1-1”) appoints her predecessor, De Niro’s George Mullen, to lead the Zero Day Commission — a special task force charged with uncovering the masterminds of the attack. This hook takes advantage of modern-day anxieties regarding cybersecurity and the vulnerability of computer systems and sets the stage for a rich exploration of power, technology and truth.
Robert De Niro’s work as George Mullen is unequivocally the series’ anchor. He embodies the gravitas and depth of a comeback man and former leader, beautifully balancing authority and vulnerability. De Niro’s subtle performance catches Mullen’s inner struggles, particularly as he deals with personal health issues and the ethical complexities of his previous decisions. His interactions with the other actors — particularly his daughter Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan, “Cobweb”), a congresswoman seeking her own political victories — add nuance to his character.
The supporting cast contributes richness to the series’ narrative texture. Caplan is captivating as Alexandra, capturing the complicated dynamics of a daughter establishing her political identity in the shadow of her father. Jesse Plemons (“Kinds of Kindness”) is superb as Roger Carlson, Mullen’s dedicated aide, whose loyalty is tested by the unfolding crisis. Bassett contributes weight and empathy to President Mitchell, though her character at times fails to be developed enough to show her complete motivations.
“Zero Day” is helped by the meticulous direction of “Homeland” and “Mad Men” director Lesli Linka Glatter, who successfully maintains a strong sense of tension throughout the series. The visual style of the show employs a desaturated palette of colors, consistent with the grim themes and the state of emergency prevailing in the nation. Cinematographer John Conroy’s employment of close-ups and handheld filming places the audience right in the midst of the unfolding events, while a score by Jeff Russo adds immense musical stress.
Despite its strengths, “Zero Day” is marred by one of its biggest problems: serious plot holes that detract from its credibility. The presentation of the “masterminds” behind the cyberattack is one of these issues. The series introduces a cabal of tech moguls and politicians as masterminds of the attack to corner the stock market and gain power. But their motives are shallowly explored, reducing them to one-dimensional villains. This supervision diminishes the effect of the narrative, with the viewer left questioning the credibility of and motivations behind their actions. The “web” of connected conspiracies the show tries to weave ends up losing its luster, ending in what feels like a half-hearted takedown of those in positions of power.
Another issue lies in the individual health crisis of Mullen, initially introduced as potential dementia and later attributed to a neurological weapon. This twist, however intriguing, is poorly foreshadowed, and one is left questioning its feasibility. Furthermore, the “weapon” is thrown out as the cause of his problems so haphazardly that it doesn’t feel like it needs to be included at all. The stakes were low and the introduction of some suspicious “device” dropped them even lower. The abrupt revelation undermines the series’ attempt at realistic storytelling, deviating to improbability without clear reason.
Another glaring weakness of “Zero Day” is its occasional overreliance on convenient plot gimmicks to further the storyline. Several instances come across as forced for drama rather than emerging necessarily from the characters’ decisions or the narrative itself. As an example, the most vital information that unveils the true masterminds behind the cyberattack happens to fall into the hands of protagonists at the precise moment just before the climax, feeling incredibly convenient. Furthermore, the cyber components of the series, while graphically interesting, are technically incorrect, and hence they will likely irk those well-acquainted with cybersecurity. The show sometimes sells out on plausibility for spectacle, making it difficult to totally suspend disbelief in what’s otherwise a realistic political thriller.
For fans of political thrillers, “Zero Day” provides an entertaining but flawed experience. Its exploration of its thematic concerns is interesting and even at times unique, but its execution is not. Thus, “Zero Day” is an above-average addition to Netflix’s catalog, delivering compelling performances and topical subject matter, albeit flawed by its narrative shortcomings.
Daily Arts Writer Tiffany McKalko can be reached at tmckalko@umich.edu.
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