Netflix’s gripping new series, Zero Day, dives deep under the surface of political upheaval and cyber warfare, featuring star power from Robert De Niro and Lizzy Caplan. The show casts De Niro as George Mullen, a former U.S. President facing the aftermath of a disastrous cyber attack, and explores the murky waters of truth and misinformation. With the premise echoing current real-world events, the show has garnered attention not just for its thrilling narrative, but also for its starkly relevant themes.
Lizzy Caplan, known for her versatile roles, shines as Alexandra Mullen, the President's resolute daughter and Congresswoman. "It really continues to boggle my mind; it’s not just about what is true and what is not true anymore - it’s become this convoluted mess we live with," she states, reflecting the show’s central theme of discerning truth amid chaos.
The series has quickly become notable for its high-caliber writing team. Mike Schmidt and Noah Oppenheim, both with impressive journalistic backgrounds, penned the series. Schmidt is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Oppenheim is the former president of NBC News. Caplan emphasizes the significance of their involvement: "They were there all the time, writing the scripts, lending credibility to the story; it was like having safety nets. They could answer any questions we had about the political world we were portraying.”
Zero Day doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of disinformation. Caplan elucidates this troubling concept, calling it "a horror story" reflective of current societal dilemmas. "I hope it makes people question things—not just to ‘do their own research’ but to seek objective truths. This show aims to restore the unspoken agreement we had about what is real and what is not."
Throughout the production, the blend of seasoned actors and top-notch direction has been instrumental. Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her work on acclaimed series like Homeland and Mad Men, the show maintains consistency, both visually and narratively. Caplan praises Glatter for her unique approach to directing: "She preps everyone before each scene, ensuring we are aligned on our characters’ arcs and the story’s flow. It allowed us to tell this dense story without feeling lost at any point.”
Alongside Caplan and De Niro, the cast features Matthew Modine, Jesse Plemons, and Joan Allen, who all contribute to the rich storytelling. Caplan's admiration for De Niro shines through as she recalls the thrill of acting opposite such a revered talent. "There are plenty of very talented actors, but he's got whatever it is you need to be legendary. I guess you just have to be born with it,” she remarks, encapsulating both her respect and excitement for the experience.
This thought-provoking series takes place against the backdrop of modern fears surrounding cybersecurity and political disarray. Events involving cyber threats mirror real fears today, driving home the urgency for vigilance against disinformation and manipulation. Questions surrounding truth resonate throughout the narrative, and viewers are offered both entertainment and food for thought.
Each episode presents familiar political tropes, echoing classic thrillers of the past. "I feel like I am stepping back to something we've seen before—those politicians who were caught out and dealt with consequences. Nowadays, the game feels changed," Caplan reflects, drawing parallels between the narratives of yesterday and the complex reality of today’s media environment.
With Zero Day now available on Netflix, it serves as both entertainment and social commentary, forcing viewers to engage critically with the content and methodologies of information today. Caplan hopes the series inspires serious contemplation: "I wouldn't mind revisiting classic political thrillers, but the current climate feels so bleak; it’s complicated.”
The show is more than just drama; it's about real stakes and real fears, challenging audiences to dissect the chaos we currently live within.