According to Kaspersky, “Zero-day” is a broad term that describes recently discovered security vulnerabilities that hackers can use to attack systems. In the middle of a crisis, it’s up to the government to decide how to defend its citizens and pursue an invisible threat. In a time where technology is advancing a mile a minute, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s a conspiracy.
Created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, Zero Day follows the events that take place after a massive outage cripples the nation leaving thousands dead in just one minute. A special commission was created to find those behind the attack and led by former President George Mullen (Robert De Niro). Facing scrutiny from the public, the current President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett), and the Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), Mullen must defend himself on all fronts as he’s constantly under attack.
Zero Day is a phenomenal conspiracy thriller dealing with cyber-terrorism. The writers did a bang-up job reflecting the deep divide within our country and the lack of trust in government. Nothing about this series is predictable and that’s a welcome detail. The parallels between our current administration and the one in the film are eerily accurate and the casting was simply perfection.
Robert De Niro was fantastic and Connie Britton was a joy, but Jesse Plemons was the most impressive. He looked great after his notable 50-pound weight loss journey and was giving “main character” energy. His character and charisma as Roger Carlson, an aide and close friend of former President Mullen, showed a side of him we rarely get to see. He even had a love interest in Mullen’s daughter Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan). Bill Camp is another notable face who gave a thrilling performance as CIA Director Lasch. Cameos from the news include Wolf Blitzer, Nicole Wallace, and Savannah Guthrie.
President Mitchell called on the former President because of his track record and love for the people. Many wheels turning in the background of his investigation so it’s key that audiences stay attentive. You’ll also notice a lot of similarities between these characters and our government. A smug CEO Monica Kidder (Gaby Hoffman) rung familiar as your Trump era, run-of-the-mill tech bro (or even that of Elon Musk). House Speaker Richard Dreyer was eerily similar to Mike Johnson (if aged a bit older even Mitch McConnell). There’s even a Tucker Carlson-like figure in Evan Green (Dan Stevens). And the sentiment from President Mitchell to even reach back to a former President for assistance is a move I feel people wouldn’t object to today.
During the investigation, Kidder criticizes the commission publicly and questions Muller’s comprehension. In a fashion that’s now synonymous with tech leaders, she demanded to be involved based on her business success and broad appeal to the public because of her app (sound familiar?). When the face-to-face meeting goes sour, this epic exchange is had between her and Muller: Episode 4
Mullen: By the way, the Franklin quote? I think you got it wrong. It’s “liberty” we shouldn’t sacrifice for safety. Not “freedom.”
Kidder: What’s the difference?
Mullen: Freedom is what allows people like you to do whatever you want. “Liberty” is what protects the rest of us from people like you.
Zero Day gets a 9 out of 10. The quality of this series can’t be understated—it’s one of the best Netflix has presented in some time. Drug use and colorful language are why this got a TV-MA rating, but for once, there was no gratuitous sex and no awkward (and usually forced) relationship. It’s a series that I could see demanding a second season. Here’s to hoping that pans out.
Watch Zero Day now on Netflix.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Netflix
Genre: Conspiracy Thriller
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: Six Episodes | 49 mins.
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: Feb. 20, 2025