Netflix’s new political thriller Zero Day raises an important and relevant question that many viewers will find hard to ignore: “When was the last time the country solved any of its major issues?” This is a question that Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen (played by Lizzy Caplan) asks her father, former President George Mullen (Robert De Niro), in the show. Given the current political climate in 2025, this question hits home for viewers who may feel like the United States has been stuck in a cycle of problems without solutions.
Zero Day is a six-episode thriller that explores themes of political division, national security, and personal regrets. With a storyline that feels both fictional and yet all too familiar, it provides a glimpse into the kind of chaos that could unfold if America ever truly faced a cyberattack that exposed the nation’s vulnerabilities. The show touches on the deep divisions within the country while also playing with the idea of whether real change can ever occur.
A High-Stakes Thriller With Real-Life Relevance
The plot of Zero Day kicks off with a devastating cyberattack that paralyzes the country in just one minute, leaving over 3,400 people dead. In response, President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett) calls on former President George Mullen to head an investigation into the attack. This is no easy task, as the country is already deeply divided, with extremist groups fueling the chaos.
Mullen’s investigation, known as the “Zero Day Commission,” comes with the power to suspend laws, which only adds fuel to the fire. The show brings together a star-studded cast, including Joan Allen, Jesse Plemons, Bill Camp, and Connie Britton, and it features real-world news anchors like Savannah Guthrie, Wolf Blitzer, and Nicole Wallace. This mixture of fictional characters and real-life figures blurs the line between reality and fiction, giving the show a surreal yet all-too-real feel.
While the central conflict seems to be about foreign and domestic attacks, Zero Day is really about regret. It delves into the regrets of George Mullen, a former president who has reached the peak of power but now grapples with the consequences of his actions. It also highlights the regret of a nation watching itself crumble as the world’s once most powerful country stumbles backward into chaos. The show explores how difficult it is for a nation to recover when its leaders have lost their way and when the lines between right and wrong are no longer clear.
A Story About National and Personal Struggles
At its core, Zero Day is not just a political thriller—it’s a story about personal and national struggles. The show stretches across almost a month of events following the cyberattack, where George Mullen, a character who once held the highest office in the land, tries to come to terms with his own mistakes and failures. As the investigation unravels, the divide between America’s citizens only deepens, making it harder for the country to move forward.
The tension is palpable in the series, with characters like House Speaker Matthew Modine’s character and Wall Street elites working behind the scenes to manipulate events. While the show is not shy about making political statements, it doesn’t just focus on the high-stakes political drama. It also looks at the personal battles of its characters, particularly George Mullen, who has to reckon with the past decisions that shaped the country’s future.
A Thought-Provoking Political Drama
In many ways, Zero Day tries to make you believe that change is still possible in America, even if the odds seem stacked against it. It’s a show that might remind you of other political dramas, but it’s not quite like House of Cards or The West Wing. While those shows focused on political maneuvering with an idealistic view of American leadership, Zero Day paints a bleaker picture. It presents a world where the country has lost its moral compass, and the struggle for power feels like a game of survival for the nation itself.
There are moments in Zero Day where you’ll feel a surge of patriotic pride, but this is often tempered by the stark reality of how far the country has fallen. As you watch George Mullen wrestle with his own regrets, you might be reminded of other tragic figures from literature or history, like Greek myths or Shakespearean tragedies. His personal journey is intertwined with the nation’s journey, creating a compelling narrative about what happens when leadership fails at every level.
The Cast: De Niro’s Powerful Performance
While Zero Day is filled with many talented actors, Robert De Niro’s performance as George Mullen is the show’s centerpiece. De Niro, now in his 80s, brings a depth to the character that’s both haunting and captivating. His portrayal of a man who once held the most powerful office in the world but now faces his own doubts and regrets is nothing short of mesmerizing. It’s clear that De Niro has been waiting for a role like this in his long career, and he makes the most of every moment on screen.
Additionally, Joan Allen, who plays Sheila Mullen, the former First Lady, is a standout in the series. She brings a sense of strength and nuance to her role, emerging as a secret weapon in the fight for the country’s future. Her performance is a welcome return to the screen, and it adds another layer of complexity to the show’s emotional depth.
A Satirical Look at Real-Life Figures
Zero Day also has a satirical edge, as it frequently makes nods to real-life figures and events. If you watch closely, you might spot thinly veiled references to politicians, billionaires, and media personalities. Characters in the show could easily be seen as stand-ins for real-life figures like Elon Musk, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or even former presidents like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. While these comparisons are never explicitly stated, they add an extra layer of intrigue and complexity to the show.
This clever use of real-world references makes Zero Day feel even more relevant and timely. It’s as if the show is commenting on the real political dysfunction happening in the world today. If you’re someone who enjoys making connections between fiction and reality, you’ll have plenty of material to work with.
Zero Day: A Rollercoaster of Politics, Power, and Regret
While Zero Day doesn’t always hit the mark with every plot twist or character development, it remains a gripping watch. The show is about much more than a cyberattack or a political scandal—it’s about the soul of a nation and the struggles of its people. It’s about the consequences of decisions, both personal and national, and how those decisions can reverberate through time.
By the end of the series, you may find yourself questioning whether America can ever find its way back from the brink of disaster. But in the world of Zero Day, there’s always hope—no matter how small—that things can change for the better. This show may not give you all the answers, but it certainly raises a lot of important questions about where the country is headed and what it will take to get it back on track.
Zero Day is a political thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, while also making you think about the bigger picture of what it means to be a leader in today’s world. With a talented cast, a thought-provoking storyline, and timely themes, it’s definitely worth watching.
