In times of global upheaval, the entertainment industry often turns to the screen, some projects delving into the depths of human nature, while others offer an escape. Netflix’s new series, “Zero Day,” aspires to unite a deeply divided American political landscape, evoking nostalgia for the Biden era. However, in their attempt to capture the zeitgeist, creators Eric Newman (“Narcos”), Noah Oppenheim (former head of NBC News, involved in the “Jackie” biopic), and Michael S. Schmidt (ex-New York Times editor) become mere centrist storytellers. Instead of reflecting the era’s pulse, they deliver a monotonous, lifeless narrative about power in its death throes.
Robert De Niro as George Mullen in “Zero Day”
The Premise of “Zero Day”
George Mullen (Robert De Niro) served a single term as U.S. President, voluntarily stepping down due to memory issues and his son’s drug overdose. Soon after, a devastating cyberattack claims 3,402 lives. Mullen is asked to lead a new investigation, the Zero Day Committee, granted unchecked authority to find the culprits, risking societal panic and chaos. Simultaneously, Mullen battles hallucinations and early signs of dementia, further complicating matters.
Robert De Niro as George Mullen in “Zero Day”
The Impact of Hollywood’s Writers Strike
“Zero Day” highlights the effects of the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike (filming began in June but paused during the protests). Post-strike, the writers seem either uninspired or reliant on AI tools like ChatGPT. The show mimics the narrative styles of Aaron Sorkin’s “The Newsroom” and “Homeland,” disregarding logic and narrative techniques, turning the plot and character motivations into a chaotic mess. Mullen is haunted by his son’s death, influencing his actions: he constantly hears the Sex Pistols’ “Who Killed Bambi?”, which played when his son died. Battling these internal demons, he uses various pressure tactics on suspected terrorists, initially blaming Russia, then a mysterious group called “The Reapers” and their revolutionary “Proteus” device, which remotely affects cognitive abilities. A conservative vlogger, Evan Green (Dan Stevens), reminiscent of Joe Rogan and other controversial podcasters, is also implicated. Surprisingly, the White House is revealed to be behind it all.
Robert De Niro as George Mullen in “Zero Day”
A Missed Opportunity?
The writers seem to have predicted Biden’s mental decline and departure from the presidency, but failed to adapt it effectively, resorting to clichés and helplessness. “Zero Day” marks De Niro’s first major TV role, but he’s let down by the script and Mullen’s limited emotional range. The cast includes Angela Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell (a nod to Kamala Harris), Jesse Plemons, and Lizzy Caplan in supporting roles. This six-hour thriller lacks suspense, is tiresome, exploits collective fears, and whitewashes the ruling elite. Netflix kills not only Bambi from the Sex Pistols’ song but also the viewers’ precious time.