Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg's new Netflix movie The Union has made quite the splash since its debut, achieving the top spot on the platform shortly after its release on August 16. Despite the film climbing to number one, the reception has not been all sunshine and roses for the leading actors.
The Union, directed by Julian Farino of Giri/Haji fame, showcases the story of two former high school sweethearts who reunite after some time apart. Berry plays Roxanne Hall, who is revealed to be a spy, and Wahlberg takes on the role of Mike McKenna, her construction worker beau from New Jersey who gets pulled back to her thrilling world.
Currently, the film holds a modest 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, indicating mixed reviews. Some audiences praised the chemistry between Berry and Wahlberg, highlighting their playful dynamic throughout the film.
Critics, on the other hand, were less enthusiastic, with some labeling the film as “fun” yet others describing it as “forgettable.” Notably, one review remarked, "There’s nothing really to recommend The Union except the fact it exists and you can watch it. It’s a harmless waste of time because it’s a serious waste of a good idea.”
Throughout its runtime of 109 minutes, viewers noted the absence of any romantic steps, including any kisses between the leads. Farino later explained this deliberate choice, stating, "You have to think of this as a possible three-movie idea," aiming to keep the audience intrigued and yearning for more.
This creative choice seemed to resonate with Wahlberg, who suggested earlier kisses would be more damaging than helpful. “You want to see the longevity of the relationship and how they find each other,” he expressed.
Producer Netflix also seems to be on board with the idea of The Union becoming part of larger cinematic plans. With the streaming service hinting at potential sequels, both leads seem hopeful for future installments, stating they want the story of Mike and Roxanne to continue to develop.
The filming locations spanned various beautiful locales such as New Jersey, London, and Slovenia, which added depth and vibrancy to the shoot. Berry expressed excitement about being able to film on actual sites rather than relying solely on sound stages, stating, "We could be on stage... we really got to go to these places, and I think it adds to the authenticity of the filmmaking."
Audiences, though expressing disparate opinions on the film's plot, seem to agree on one aspect: the natural chemistry between the two leads is undeniable. Many reviews centered on this connection as the film's highlighted strength, with one review from Collider praising their “stellar chemistry” and calling it "a worthwhile watch."
Despite its number one status on Netflix UK and spurring talk of sequels, the film's audience score stands at only 28 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, marking one of the lowest ratings for both actors. This rating indicates an underwhelming viewer reception, where many expressed disappointment over the film's lack of compelling storytelling.
Strikingly, this 28 percent audience score is the lowest rating for Wahlberg and Berry since 2014. It reflects how the film has left audiences feeling somewhat... underwhelmed, prompting some to quip about their boredom upon watching.
While Wahlberg has certainly had lower-rated projects over the years, this score signals unusual territory for both actors, whose passion projects typically garner richer reception. Berry has also faced mixed reactions over her career, and this movie's rating reinforces the unpredictable nature of audience verdicts.
The release of The Union has created quite the buzz, evidenced by reactions on social media platforms like X, where several expressed their indifference. One individual noted, “Movies should make us feel something, so full marks to The Union for generating so much boredom and depression.”
Overall, The Union encapsulates the challenges of balancing viewer expectations with bold creative decisions. With its intention of potential sequels and audience engagement, it will be intriguing to see how the franchise evolves from here.
The Union is currently available for streaming on Netflix, waiting to be discovered by audiences around the world. How will the film’s success continue to shape the next steps for Berry and Wahlberg—both on and off-screen?
