This new Netflix thriller sometimes feels very realistic
Political chaos, powerful billionaires, and conspiracy theories; these could easily be words from newspaper headlines. But they are also the ingredients of the latest Netflix thriller ‘Zero Day’. A massive cyberattack temporarily brings the US to a standstill. A brief moment with enormous consequences that makes you, as a viewer, think: what if this really happens?
One big chaos
What begins as an ordinary day sees unknown perpetrators take down all computer systems in the US for one minute. Phones lose their connection, and the same goes for trains, planes, and subways, resulting in thousands of deaths. A major warning is issued: this will happen again. In the midst of all the chaos, former president George Mullen (Robert De Niro) is appointed to lead the search for the perpetrators. Mullen was the last president before his retirement who could get all political parties to work together, making him the man for the job. He is given permission to use all possible resources to find the culprits and prevent a new attack. Even the constitution is momentarily not important. Mullen finds himself in a web of lies, conspiracy theories, disinformation, and slightly too ambitious politicians and billionaires. As if that doesn't make the investigation difficult enough, he also struggles with mental issues and hallucinations that even make his inner circle doubt whether he can handle it all. Mullen remains determined; no matter how complicated the situation becomes, he must and will uncover the truth.
A touch of reality
Although ‘Zero Day’ is a fictional series, it is not hard to see the inspiration from ‘real life’. A former president struggling with his memory or a powerful billionaire meddling in politics; we can all imagine who these might represent. However, no real people are ever linked to their characters, and the political preferences of the characters remain a secret. This does not mean that creators Noah Oppenheim and Michael S. Schmidt wanted to completely distance themselves from reality. Their experiences as journalists were actually a major inspiration for the series. Oppenheim was president of NBC News for many years, and Schmidt won a Pulitzer Prize for his investigative journalism for the New York Times. Both had some political knowledge and they also brought in extra help from experts. Cybersecurity expert Clint Watts, a former special agent for the FBI, and political advisor Eric Schultz contributed to the series to make everything as realistic as possible. And it seems to work; the question ‘what if it really happens?’ makes the story even more thrilling. In addition to a powerful De Niro, the series also boasts a star-studded cast including Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog), Connie Britton (White Lotus), and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things). However, one downside according to critics: the story can sometimes be a bit complicated. But well, that is somewhat part of a political thriller, right? Don't let it scare you off.
‘Zero Day’ is now available on Netflix.
Image: Netflix
