A Gripping Start with Layers of Suspense
Introduction:
Netflix’s Zero Day brings us a gripping political thriller that feels all too real in today’s world. Starring Robert De Niro in his first major TV role, the series follows former U.S. President George Mullen as he’s pulled back into the chaos of Washington to lead an investigation into a catastrophic cyberattack. With national security at risk and political tensions at an all-time high, Mullen must navigate a web of power, secrets, and hidden agendas.
Created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, Zero Day blends sharp writing with intense performances from a powerhouse cast, including Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, and Angela Bassett. Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, the show promises a high-stakes mix of conspiracy, drama, and political maneuvering.
With six episodes packed with twists and intrigue, there’s plenty to unpack. Stay tuned as we dive into an episode-wise review, breaking down every moment that keeps us on edge.
The series opens with a tense flashforward, former President George Mullen struggles to open his safe, breaking a framed photo from 1975. When he finally gets it open, someone enters the room.
Three days earlier, George is enjoying his retirement while his wife, Sheila, prepares for her appellate court appointment. His strained relationship with his daughter, Congresswoman Alex Mullen, lingers in the background.
He meets with a ghostwriter for his memoir, but the conversation turns sour when she brings up his past and his deceased son. Soon after, her car is struck by a train following a cyberattack that disrupts communications. It’s Zero Day, a coordinated assault causing nationwide chaos, from power outages to fatal crashes.
The government scrambles for damage control. Speaker Richard Dreyer reassures the public, while George is asked to make an appearance to calm the panic. His speech at a relief site resonates with people, proving his enduring influence. Meanwhile, a Russian official takes suspicious actions, hinting at deeper geopolitical ties to the cyberattack.
As President Evelyn Mitchell builds a commission to investigate Zero Day, she wants George to lead it with sweeping authority. He hesitates, but as more clues surface, including a mysterious hacker group linked to Russia—he realizes he may be the only one who can uncover the truth. Strange occurrences, including visions and paranoia, suggest that George’s past isn’t as clean as it seems. By the episode’s end, he discovers cryptic messages in his journal, setting the stage for a deeper conspiracy.
The series launches with a compelling mix of political intrigue, cyber warfare, and psychological tension. The show immediately grips us with its unsettling atmosphere, raising questions about both national security and George Mullen’s mind. Is he a hero, a pawn, or something worse?
Robert De Niro is outstanding, portraying a man torn between duty and personal demons. The show balances real-world cyber threats with a slow-burning thriller, drawing parallels to political dramas like House of Cards but with a modern, tech-driven urgency. The subplot involving George’s possible dementia adds another layer, making us question whether the biggest threat lies in the present or the past.
