Robert De Niro Shines as a Former President in Netflix’s ‘Zero Day’.
“Zero Day,” the new Netflix series premiering Thursday, marks Robert De Niro’s first foray into television in his illustrious six-decade acting career. While his face is synonymous with Hollywood’s most iconic roles, this series, not counting his “Saturday Night Live” appearances, introduces De Niro as the former U.S. President George Mullen—a complex character that only someone with his caliber could bring to life.
The Opening Scene: A Tense Beginning
The series opens with a gripping prologue: Mullen is urgently trying to open a safe amidst a chaotic situation, setting the stage for a tension-filled narrative. From there, the show shifts to a quieter, more reflective time in Mullen’s life.
We find him navigating the mundanities of daily life—taking pills, jogging, and tending to his bird feeder. His wife, Sheila (Joan Allen), is nominated for a Federal Court of Appeals seat, suggesting that she, too, is a woman of power.
Mullen, however, is dealing with the aftermath of his unexpected decision not to run for re-election—an act that shocks the public. We also learn about his strained relationship with his son, though specifics remain elusive.
Cyberattack: The Catalyst for Change
As Mullen attempts to write his memoir with the help of a potential ghostwriter, the narrative takes a dramatic turn with the occurrence of a massive cyberattack. The entire U.S. system goes down in a total blackout, leaving planes crashing, trains colliding, and thousands dead. The sinister attack sends a chilling message to the country:
“This will happen again.” The culprit? A shadowy force that operates from the Earth rather than outer space, delivering a far more chilling blow. The very technology on which the country relies is suddenly vulnerable, and no one is claiming responsibility.
Political Maneuvering and Family Drama
The aftermath of the attack sees Mullen thrust back into the political arena. President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett), who is notable for being the first Black female president in this fictional world, enlists Mullen to lead a special investigative commission.
This commission has “extraordinary powers,” including the ability to surveil, search, and seize. The weight of this responsibility weighs heavily on Mullen, but his previous ability to bridge divides between parties makes him the ideal candidate, with his Secret Service code name, “Legend.”
However, not everyone is on board with this plan. Mullen’s daughter, Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan), a second-term congresswoman, is openly skeptical about his involvement.
Alexandra’s own career is driven by a social media following and youthful energy, but she disagrees with her father on matters of governance. Similarly, Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine) presents an understated opposition to Mullen’s newfound role, exuding an aura of polished professionalism that hints at darker motives.
De Niro’s Powerful Performance
As Mullen grapples with the fallout of the cyberattack and the explosive political intrigue that follows, his mental state begins to deteriorate. He begins to hear disturbing songs, like the Sex Pistols’ “Who Killed Bambi?” which he repeatedly scribbles on paper. This descent into madness adds another layer of intrigue to the character and emphasizes the toll that his past decisions have taken on him.
But the complications don’t stop there. “Zero Day” brings forth a multitude of characters, from Russian operatives and hacktivists to a powerful tech mogul (played by Gaby Hoffman) and a Wall Street mogul (Clark Gregg). These elements give the show a sense of urgency and highlight the societal divides—be they political or ideological—that shape the unfolding events.
Political Overreach and Cybersecurity
“Zero Day” has a lot to say about political overreach, the slippery slope toward fascism, and the dangers of extremism, though it skillfully avoids partisan commentary.
The series doesn’t aim to villainize any particular political party, opting instead for a more nuanced approach. This neutral perspective could be its most ambitious element, particularly in a polarized political landscape.
Created by Eric Newman (“Griselda”) and Michael S. Schmidt, “Zero Day” is a meticulously crafted production with top-notch direction by Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland”).
The show is rich in locations, filled with dark suits, black SUVs, and a slew of cameos from TV news personalities. With six episodes packed with conspiracy, family drama, and political maneuvering, the series draws viewers in, even as it starts to feel a little worn by the final episodes.
De Niro’s Unforgettable TV Debut
Despite its growing complexity, the show is undeniably carried by Robert De Niro’s exceptional performance. Whether he’s navigating a political crisis or grappling with his own deteriorating mental health, De Niro delivers a thoughtful, compelling portrayal.
His nuanced performance shows that, even as his character ages, his powers as a performer have not diminished. His political opinions may not always align with those of his character, but De Niro proves that, like Mullen, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
In many ways, De Niro’s turn in Zero Day feels like a return to the kind of roles he’s excelled in throughout his career. Even if the series falters in some areas, the actor’s presence alone makes it a compelling watch.