Netflix's newest political thriller, Zero Day, has captured the attention of viewers, especially with the announcement of Robert De Niro taking the lead role. With the series recently streaming all six episodes, audiences are being treated to a riveting story set against the backdrop of cyber threats and political intrigue.
The plot of Zero Day follows former U.S. President George Mullen, played by De Niro, as he grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic cyberattack dubbed Zero Day. This unprecedented attack not only cripples communication networks across the United States but also results in shockingly high casualties. Tasked with spearheading the Zero Day Commission, Mullen must navigate through layers of deception and conspiracy, all the time battling the personal challenges of his fraying mental state.
Joining De Niro is Jesse Plemons, who plays Mullen's aide, Roger Carlson. Carlson is characterized as ambitious and willing to do whatever it takes to support Mullen and advance his own aspirations. De Niro expressed his enthusiasm to work alongside Plemons again, noting, "I was very happy to reunite with my Killers of the Flower Moon co-star on the Netflix series," which underlines the strong camaraderie shared among the cast members.
Actress Lizzy Caplan lends her talents to the role of Alexandra Mullen, Mullen's daughter and congresswoman striving to carve out her own path. Their complicated relationship is tested by their political clout, as Alexandra's ambitions often clash with her father's legacy.
Connie Britton’s character, Valerie Whitesell, steps back to aid the former president as his chief of staff, following personal requests from both Mullen and his wife, Sheila, portrayed by Joan Allen. With Valerie's return, the stakes are raised as she possesses both the skills and history to play hardball during these turbulent times.
Angela Bassett takes on the role of the current President, Evelyn Mitchell, who tasks Mullen with heading the commission. The pressure mounts on Mitchell, who knows the weight of national scrutiny is on her shoulders as she ties public perception to Mullen’s outcomes.
Matthew Modine’s portrayal of Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer reveals someone whose public persona is disarming yet conceals hidden agendas. He interacts with Mullen and the commission, embodying the political tension so prevalent today.
Joan Allen, as Sheila Mullen, demonstrates the personal and political dilemmas faced as she juggles her responsibilities and her husband's mental health struggles. Meanwhile, Dan Stevens portrays the character Evan Green, whose provocative political podcast positions him as one of Mullen's sharpest critics, showcasing the current media's role in shaping political narratives.
The series does not shy away from reflecting the technological dilemmas of modern society, framing how lives and politics can intersect chaotically. Zero Day brings forth themes of conspiracy, trust, and accountability as Mullen and his team sift through layers of lies to identify the perpetrators behind the devastating attack.
Netflix’s decision to produce Zero Day is significant as it taps deeply rooted concerns about cybersecurity threats plaguing various nations. This storyline resonates with contemporary viewers, many of whom are increasingly aware of both the opportunities and threats posed by technology.
With highly recognizable stars and thought-provoking themes, Zero Day is poised to engage audiences with its thrill-a-minute approach to storytelling and real-world issues. By connecting fictional narrative with remarkable performances from seasoned actors like De Niro, Bassett, and Britton, the series is set to not only entertain but also prompt discussions around the complex political landscapes we navigate.