Image credit: Netflix

Zero Day, the new political thriller on Netflix, is an addictive six-episode limited series that will keep you on your toes throughout. With its intricate plot twists and morally complex characters, Zero Day keeps viewers guessing who to trust and what the real truth is.

In the wake of a cyber-attack that devastates America nationwide, a well-respected ex-president is summoned out of retirement to lead a commission to find those responsible and prevent a looming second attack.

Robert De Niro’s TV Debut

As Robert De Niro’s first major television role, as ex-president George Mullen, audiences see a protagonist haunted by past tragedies, and how a trustworthy figure struggles to find answers in an environment steeped in corruption.

Throughout the show, many characters question Mullen’s capability to lead this task force, due to his decision not to run for a second term. Mullen experiences hallucinations and panic attacks, possibly linked to medication side effects, early-stage dementia, or the neurological weapon Proteus.

There are many moments throughout the series where it feels like the audience is being given more questions than answers—but that is part of its addictive charm.

While the cyber-attack is originally believed to be the work of the Russians, emerging evidence brings to light a more disturbing reality. The threat to American security is discovered to be internal, with terror organisations and powerful individuals playing a role in the attack. Although the show becomes a puzzle to the truth, flashbacks and new evidence provide the audience with answers to many mysteries that the series explores.

Is The Threat Really Over?

The threat of another attack, through the message “This will happen again” (which appeared on all phones during the Zero Day attack), seems to loom over the American public—leading to social unrest and the demand for answers. With online figures such as Evan Green constantly criticising the work of the commission and portraying George Mullen as an incapable leader, Green’s commentary seemingly adds fuel to the fire of conspiracy theories surrounding the attacks.

It seems like many of the characters have something to hide. A good example of this is Mullen’s right-hand man, Roger Carlson (played by Jesse Plemons), who appears connected to several shady individuals and a drug-related past. As the series progresses, he is established as someone with much to hide and as someone who deliberately leads the investigation astray.

Zero Day’s World Relevance

While Zero Day is a fictional thriller, it raises unsettling questions about modern cybersecurity threats, media influence, and the handling of truth by those in power—making it a must-watch for fans of political dramas and thrillers.