Review: Netflix’s ‘Zero Day’ – A Star-Studded Thriller That Misses the Mark
Netflix’s new limited series, “Zero Day,” starring Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, and Lizzy Caplan, had all the makings of a gripping political thriller. Yet, despite its impressive cast and high ambitions, the series struggles with a muddled storyline that fails to deliver the tension it promises.
A Political Thriller That Can’t Keep Up with Reality
Created by Michael Schmidt, Noah Oppenheim, and Eric Newman, “Zero Day” attempts to dive into the world of conspiracies, cyber threats, and political intrigue. De Niro plays George Mullen, a former president drawn back into a crisis that threatens national security. On paper, it sounds like the perfect formula for a suspenseful drama.
However, in an era where real-world politics are often more shocking than fiction, the show’s plot feels uninspired and lacks the urgency needed to captivate audiences. Instead of delivering the edge-of-your-seat suspense of classics like House of Cards or Homeland, “Zero Day” gets lost in a maze of convoluted subplots that fail to make a lasting impact.
Strong Performances, Weak Execution
While the storytelling may be lacking, the cast delivers solid performances. De Niro’s portrayal of a conflicted political figure is as compelling as expected, while Jesse Plemons and Lizzy Caplan bring depth to their roles. Unfortunately, even their talents can’t save a script that lacks focus and tension.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Despite its potential, “Zero Day” ultimately falls flat due to its disjointed narrative and lack of originality. While the show might appeal to die-hard fans of the political thriller genre, it fails to rise above the noise of real-world political drama.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5 – A strong cast can’t save this muddled, forgettable thriller.