Zero Day Series Review: Robert De Niro Shines, But the Story Stumbles.Filmygod

Netflix’s conspiracy thriller Zero Day presents a gripping premise: a sudden cyberattack cripples the country’s communication and transportation networks, throwing the United States into chaos. As the nation struggles to regain control, government officials and media outlets rush to place the blame, with Russia emerging as the prime suspect. Newly elected President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett) must act fast. She commissions a high-powered task force, led by former president George Mullen (Robert De Niro), to uncover the truth behind the attack. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Zero Day tries to do too much in too little time. The six-episode series is packed with political maneuvering, personal drama, and conspiracy-laden subplots that often distract rather than enhance the story.

A Promising Setup, but Too Many Moving Parts

At its core, Zero Day has the makings of a thrilling political drama. The cyberattack premise is timely and thought-provoking, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of modern infrastructure. However, rather than focusing on the investigation, the series piles on additional storylines that muddle the narrative.

• There’s an infidelity subplot involving Mullen and an associate, which feels unnecessary and shoehorned in.
• Mullen’s strained relationship with his daughter, Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan), takes up significant screen time but often veers into melodrama.
• A subplot about a corrupt government official with ties to a powerful tech oligarch attempts to add depth but instead adds confusion.
• A looming bio-nuclear threat against Mullen further complicates the plot.

While each of these elements could have been compelling on their own, their inclusion in a limited six-episode format results in a disjointed screenplay. The story lacks a clear focus, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in any single aspect.

The Power Struggle and Ethical Dilemmas

One of the more intriguing aspects of Zero Day is its exploration of power and its potential for corruption. Mullen, granted extraordinary authority, operates with near-total impunity. He can order his team to detain suspects without warrants and violate personal privacy under the guise of national security. The series paints him as a hero for preventing further cyberattacks, but it fails to address the ethical implications of his unchecked power.

The ambiguity of Mullen’s character could have been an opportunity for the series to explore the moral dilemmas of governance in a crisis. Instead, it shies away from truly questioning his actions, leaving his motivations frustratingly unclear. As a result, the show’s message about power and responsibility feels incomplete.

Stellar Performances Elevate the Show

Despite the flaws in its storytelling, Zero Day is bolstered by its strong cast.

• Robert De Niro delivers a compelling performance in his streaming debut. Even when the writing falters, his presence commands attention. One particularly emotional breakdown scene feels abrupt, but De Niro’s acting adds depth to an otherwise poorly set-up moment.
• Angela Bassett is equally strong as President Mitchell, though she isn’t given enough material to truly shine.
• Jesse Plemons provides a solid performance, serving as a perfect counterbalance to De Niro’s Mullen.
• Matthew Modine is well-cast as a House Speaker determined to preserve the status quo, bringing a necessary intensity to his role.

Though the characters themselves may not be fully realized on the page, the cast does its best to bring them to life, adding gravitas to an otherwise uneven script.

A Thought-Provoking but Flawed Political Thriller

One of Zero Day’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of cyber warfare as a modern battleground. The show convincingly demonstrates how digital attacks can destabilize a nation, disrupt essential services, and erode public trust in institutions. The realistic world-building helps ground the story, making it easy to imagine a similar scenario playing out in real life.

However, despite its thought-provoking premise, Zero Day struggles with execution. The script lacks the sharpness and cohesion needed to sustain its intricate political intrigue. The pacing suffers as the series jumps between multiple subplots, failing to develop any of them fully.

For viewers who enjoy political thrillers, Zero Day offers moments of excitement and an excellent cast, but it ultimately falls short of being the gripping, tightly woven drama it aspires to be.

Final Verdict

Zero Day had the potential to be a standout conspiracy thriller, but its overloaded plot and lack of narrative focus prevent it from reaching greatness. While Robert De Niro delivers a strong performance, and the cyber warfare themes are engaging, the series ultimately stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions. If you’re a fan of political dramas, Zero Day is worth a watch for its performances alone—but don’t expect a masterpiece.