In the new action drama G20, New Zealand actor Antony Starr takes on the role of the villain Rutledge, a mercenary with a traumatic past, while EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis stars as the heroic U.S. President Danielle Sutton. Directed by Patricia Riggen, the film is set against the backdrop of a gala political event in South Africa where the G20 summit will soon take place, and it explores themes of heroism and international crisis.
Starr's casting as the antagonist marks a departure from the typical portrayal of Australian characters in Hollywood as lovable rogues. Riggen praised Starr's ability to hold his own alongside Davis, stating, "Antony Starr is just such a phenomenal actor, and he's still also quite fresh. I really equate him to Viola, and that's hard to say about anybody - because she's so incredibly talented and brings so much to the character - but Antony Starr also really brought humanity and a passion, and he loves being evil, so he really brings a lot of things into it."
Riggen explained that the decision to make an Australian the villain was part of an effort to cast diverse nationalities, reflecting the global nature of the G20 summit. She noted, "One of the most difficult characters to craft is your villain. That's because they tend to become very cliché, very stereotypical, or very, you know, not human and Antony really helped us flesh [out] that guy."
The film unfolds over a single evening, during which a gala event is hijacked by terrorists led by Rutledge, who aims to crash global markets and profit from cryptocurrency. Davis's character, President Sutton, is portrayed as a former soldier who is navigating her role as a leader while also dealing with family dynamics, including her teenage daughter Serena, played by Marsai Martin.
As the plot thickens, the world leaders, including Sutton's husband Derek (Anthony Anderson) and their son Demetrius (Christopher Farrar), are taken hostage. The film not only showcases thrilling action sequences but also highlights the emotional depth of Sutton's character as she grapples with self-doubt and the pressures of leadership. Davis's portrayal of Sutton is described as both relatable and powerful, with the actress herself acknowledging the challenges of balancing her character's personal and professional life.
One of the film's standout moments occurs when Davis expressed her concerns about her character's wardrobe during the action sequences. "I love the dress, the dress became an obstacle which is beautiful to play as an actor, [but] as Viola, I was always like, 'oh my goodness, they're going to see my Spanx,'" she joked. Riggen and Davis collaborated to find solutions to keep the character's wardrobe functional during intense scenes, leading to creative ideas such as having Sutton don other costumes mid-fight.
The movie, which is now streaming on Prime Video, has received mixed reviews. Critics note that while the film follows a familiar action movie formula, Davis's performance elevates the material. One review highlighted the film's engaging premise, stating, "G20 manages to deliver where it matters. The stunts are relatively inventive and appropriately balletic, and the film features a gallery of supporting characters worth rooting for."
Despite its action-packed scenes, the film also delves into deeper themes, such as the challenges faced by a Black woman in a position of power. Sutton's character embodies resilience and empathy, qualities that resonate with audiences. Critics have pointed out that while the film's plot can be predictable, Davis's portrayal offers a fresh perspective in a genre typically dominated by male leads.
As the film progresses, Sutton must navigate a tense hostage situation and ultimately confront Rutledge, who represents both a physical threat and a challenge to her authority. The film's climax sees Sutton taking charge, showcasing her growth as a character who must protect her family and the world from impending chaos.
In addition to the thrilling action and character development, G20 reflects contemporary issues surrounding leadership and accountability. As the characters grapple with their roles in a crisis, the film poses questions about governance and the responsibilities of those in power.
Overall, G20 presents a compelling mix of action, drama, and social commentary, with Viola Davis leading the charge as a new kind of action hero. The film is a reminder of the potential for change and the importance of representation in Hollywood.
As audiences tune in to watch Davis's performance, they are treated to a film that, despite its flaws, showcases the strength and complexity of its characters. G20 is available for streaming on Prime Video starting April 10, 2025, offering an exciting cinematic experience for fans of action and drama alike.
