The term “Netflix flick” doesn’t usually carry a positive connotation – quite the opposite. It’s typically used to describe yet another generic film lacking creativity or innovation, without even memorable moments through impressive action set pieces, hilarious jokes, or, at the very least, outstanding performances. That said, the streaming service has plenty of examples that challenge this negative view of its productions, so I always prefer to give the benefit of the doubt to the movie, filmmaker, crew, and cast. The Union is no exception, even though expectations were naturally low.
After all, this mix of genres – spy, action, comedy, thriller – doesn’t exactly have an intriguing premise. Mike (Mark Wahlberg) is just a construction worker who gets thrown into the world of secret agents and super spies when his high school crush, Roxanne (Halle Berry), recruits him for a mission with fatal consequences for thousands of people. Directed by Julian Farino (Entourage) and co-written by Joe Barton (Encounter) and David Guggenheim (Safe House), The Union didn’t inspire much confidence with this synopsis, which gives off a strong sense of déjà vu…
Unfortunately, the worst is confirmed. The Union doesn’t even fall into the “bad film” category because it never takes the slightest risk to generate disappointment or surprise. As a cinephile, I believe the worst a movie can be is forgettable. And this one lacks captivating direction from Farino, a remotely original script – Barton and Guggenheim have penned one of the most formulaic, predictable narratives in recent years – remarkable action sequences, or performances that make up for the lack of quality in these other areas.
The Union doesn’t have enough humor to fit into the comedy genre; it doesn’t have enough action to be worthy of the streaming blockbuster label, and even when it finally tries to entertain viewers, it drags out the final act’s big car chase sequence to the point of absurdity and boredom; it overuses espionage clichés so much that within three minutes of the beginning of the movie, any potential twists or revelations about likely traitors become obvious – and here, even the casting of certain actors removes any element of surprise; and as the cherry on top of a cake that seems more plastic than real, even Wahlberg (The Departed) and Berry’s (Monster’s Ball) performances don’t fully work, as their chemistry isn’t only strange, but the movie also spends a lot of its runtime building up to something that never actually happens.
So, what works in The Union? The score by Rupert Gregson-Williams (Aquaman), individual performances from some of the supporting cast members, and a couple of action scenes with commendable stunts. I believe that a film can follow all the formulas of its genre without any preconceived bias against it… but the execution must be special to carry the weight placed on an audience watching the thousandth variation of the same story.
Final Thoughts
The Union exemplifies the worst characteristics associated with the term “Netflix flick,” presenting a predictable, forgettable movie that fails in almost all the essential aspects of a remarkable film. Its formulaic narrative, lack of originality, abundance of clichés, and paper-thin characters make it unable to stand out in a market saturated with similar productions. While parts of the score and individual performances offer glimpses of quality, they aren’t enough to save the film from mediocrity. In the end, it’s an experience that will hardly leave a lasting mark on viewers.
Rating: D
The Union is now streaming on Netflix.
Learn more about the film, including how to watch it, on Netflix.
You might also like…
‘Jackpot!’ Review: A Carefree Blend of Absurdity, Action, and Humor