The Netflix thriller “Zero Day” follows a mentally ailing ex-president Robert Mullen as he investigates a crippling cyberattack on the U.S. transportation system that killed over 3,000 people. The show’s creators aimed to explore themes of power, government corruption, and the blurred lines between facts and reality. In an interview with producer Eric Newman and veteran journalist Noah Oppenheim, it was revealed that the mastermind behind the cyberattack is Speaker of the House Richard Dreyer.
Newman stated that the show’s goal was to highlight how easily susceptible people are to conspiracy theories and power grabs. “We wanted to explore this phenomenon we’re all experiencing, whereby facts are allegedly subject to interpretation and people can choose their own reality as a result,” Newman said.
The series finale shows Mullen exposing Dreyer, who led a ring of billionaires and politicians in on the plan. The show ends with a hopeful note, suggesting that the truth can save a broken nation.
When asked about the character’s motivation, Oppenheim explained that Alexandra, Dreyer’s congresswoman daughter, represents the frustration many people feel when they look at dysfunctional government. “It’s not a rough patch, it’s an emergency,” she says. Oppenheim believes this mindset is what drives people to make drastic decisions, often leading to authoritarianism.
The show’s creators aimed to leave the audience with a sense of ambiguity, much like Mullen’s expression in the final shot. Newman stated that De Niro was heavily involved in the project and had a strong understanding of his character’s journey. The song “Who Killed Bambi?” becomes a haunting motif throughout the series, symbolizing the unease and discomfort the main characters feel.
Overall, “Zero Day” explores complex themes of power, corruption, and reality, leaving viewers to ponder their own take on the events in the show.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/02/22/zero-day-ending-explained-netflix/78385129007