Netflix’s Zero Day Review – Turn The Tv Off
- NFD NEWS
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
Netflix’s Zero Day has finally arrived, bringing with it a tense, slow-burning political thriller led by none other than Robert De Niro. In his first major television role, De Niro plays former U.S. President George Mullen, a man pulled back into the political arena amidst a national crisis. With a gripping premise and a powerhouse cast, Zero Day aims to be Netflix’s next big prestige drama. But does it deliver?
Plot and Premise
The series kicks off with Mullen enjoying his post-presidency life when a cyberattack—dubbed Zero Day—threatens national security. As chaos spreads, Mullen is thrust back into the political fray, forced to navigate government conspiracies, misinformation, and power struggles. With modern fears of cyber warfare and media manipulation at its core, Zero Day taps into timely anxieties, making its tension feel all too real.
Robert De Niro Shines
There’s no doubt that De Niro carries the show. His performance as the reluctant yet commanding Mullen is layered with charm, authority, and vulnerability. Watching him navigate political backstabbing while wrestling with past decisions is fascinating. It’s a reminder that, even after decades in Hollywood, De Niro still knows how to captivate an audience.
Supporting Cast & Performances
While De Niro is the centerpiece, the supporting cast holds its own. Lizzy Caplan delivers a sharp performance as a journalist determined to uncover the truth, while Jesse Plemons plays a government official whose motivations remain murky. Angela Bassett adds gravitas as a high-ranking intelligence officer, bringing intensity to every scene she’s in. The cast is stacked with talent, and each character adds a piece to the intricate puzzle.
Tension, Twists, and Real-World Parallels
Zero Day thrives on suspense. The pacing is deliberate, slowly unraveling the mystery behind the cyberattack while dropping hints of a larger conspiracy. Some episodes move at a crawl, but the tension remains high thanks to sharp writing and unpredictable twists. The show also leans heavily into real-world fears—fake news, cyberterrorism, and political disinformation—making its story feel eerily plausible.
Cinematography & Direction
Visually, Zero Day sticks to the polished, high-stakes aesthetic of modern political dramas. The cinematography is sleek but not flashy, relying on tight shots to heighten paranoia. The direction is confident, ensuring every scene carries weight, whether it’s a high-stakes negotiation or a quiet moment of reflection.
Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?
Zero Day isn’t a fast-paced action thriller—it’s a methodical, dialogue-heavy political drama that rewards patience. While it may not be for everyone, fans of House of Cards, Homeland, or The Night Manager will find plenty to enjoy. De Niro delivers a commanding performance, the writing is sharp, and the themes feel incredibly relevant.
If you’re looking for a tense, well-acted political thriller with real-world weight, Zero Day is worth your time.
Rating: 8.5/10
Pros:
✔ Robert De Niro’s powerhouse performance
✔ Strong supporting cast
✔ Gripping, realistic political intrigue
✔ Well-crafted tension and suspense
Cons:
✖ Slow pacing at times
✖ Some plot points feel overly familiar
What did you think of Zero Day? Let us know in the comments!