SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains spoilers from all six episodes of ?Zero Day,? currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Lizzy Caplan was aware from the start that her character, Congresswoman and former First Daughter Alexandra Mullen, played a key role in the catastrophic cyberattack that drives the intense existential and ethical turmoil present in ?Zero Day.? This shocking plot twist is revealed within the first few moments of the finale of Netflix?s gripping political thriller. The series features Robert De Niro, in his first significant television role, portraying President Robert Mullen, a seasoned populist leader who emerges from retirement to lead a commission investigating the unprecedented national crisis resulting from the attack.
Regarding when she discovered her character’s dark secret, Caplan reflects: ?I think it was probably before I read the scripts. While I might not have fully grasped the extent of her involvement, I anticipated that there would be other characters involved. I just didn’t realize how central Alex would be to the unfolding events.? This illustrates the depth of her character’s complexities and motivations throughout the series.
In a tense confrontation with her father in their home, Alex reveals how the Zero Day attack originated from the upper echelons of government and explains the disastrous course of events. It turns out that Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), the current Speaker of the House, had collaborated with tech tycoon Monica Kidder (Gaby Hoffmann) to orchestrate a conspiracy against President Evelyn Mitchell’s administration (Angela Bassett). Frustrated by the political gridlock preventing critical legislation from passing, Alex finds herself drawn into this insurrection.
Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen in ?Zero Day?
Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix
?In just a minute, [Kidder] can remind everyone of our vulnerability and fragility, and that makes sense,? Alex asserts to her father. ?It makes sense that if you can remind people about what?s truly important, perhaps they can tune out all the noise, deceit, and lies, leading us back to genuinely listening to one another. So we let it happen because it underscored that point for us. It worked out better than we could have ever orchestrated, but I had no idea anyone would end up dying.? This moment encapsulates the moral ambiguity and high stakes surrounding their actions.
Dreyer and even President Mitchell manage to convince Robert to allow Kidder to take the fall for the cyberattack in his commission report, arguing it would be the most beneficial solution for everyone involved. However, after Alex leaves her father a resignation note to read while he presents his findings to the American public, Robert seizes the opportunity to expose Dreyer’s involvement, even if it means implicating his daughter and further fracturing his family.
In the following discussion, Caplan candidly explores her interpretation of Alex’s motives, her experiences working alongside Robert De Niro, and her ongoing admiration for the lasting legacy of ?Mean Girls,? which continues to resonate with audiences today.
What aspects of the fictional world in “Zero Day” intrigued you most, particularly given its striking similarities to our current political landscape?
The political themes are undeniably at the forefront of this narrative, which poses a compelling question: What would transpire if such a catastrophic event occurred in a nation as polarized as ours, where trust is scarce and truth is ambiguous? Additionally, what if the truth became more subjective than it has ever been? I found this exploration to be profoundly engaging and relevant in our current sociopolitical climate.
However, what captivated me even more were the intricate interpersonal dynamics occurring beneath the overarching political narrative. Alex navigates a deeply complicated relationship with both her parents, particularly her father. The unresolved trauma within their family is palpable, stemming not only from the overdose death of her brother but also from the impact of Valerie Whitesell’s character (Connie Britton) on their lives. The Mullen family has numerous skeletons in their closet, and Alex harbors considerable resentment towards her father for many reasons, as well as towards her mother for her loyalty to her husband.
The challenge for me was to maintain this undercurrent of interpersonal drama against the backdrop of a high-stakes political thriller, ensuring that every scene encapsulated both elements. There are hardly any straightforward interactions where characters are not holding their cards close to their chests. Every individual is either lying or spinning half-truths throughout the series, which adds a layer of complexity that I found both fascinating and challenging. Alex is grappling with numerous thoughts and emotions in every moment, carrying her own secrets alongside the weight of her family’s legacy. Collaborating with the cast and director Lesli Linka Glatter was an incredible opportunity to delve into these intricacies, elevating the narrative beyond a mere political thriller.
Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix
Alex struggles to define her identity apart from her father. Halfway through the season, she asserts her independence by declaring she?s a congresswoman, not just ?daddy?s little girl.? How do you interpret Alex?s emotionally complex relationship with Robert? Is she seeking his love and approval, or does she long to differentiate herself from him?
Alex?s relationship with her father is multifaceted and laden with unspoken needs. While she may believe she desires independence, there are deeper emotional wounds that she?s grappling with. Primarily, she yearns for her family to acknowledge the truth about her brother’s death and to confront their shared flaws. However, she realizes that honesty is something she may never receive from her parents, which adds to her frustration and resentment.
Although not many can relate to being the daughter of a former president or growing up in the White House under intense scrutiny, many people can identify with the feeling of thinking they know better than their parents. Alex embodies this universal struggle?she believes that her understanding of the modern political landscape, influenced by rapid news cycles and social media, grants her superior insight over her father. Yet, this belief is her tragic flaw. While she dismisses her father’s extensive experience as outdated, she overlooks the invaluable wisdom that comes with it, leading her to make poor decisions that have significant consequences.
With all six scripts completed before production began, how did you prepare to portray and develop Alex?s intricate emotional journey throughout the episodes?
It?s tempting to approach a character with a secret by trying to play the mystery, but I believe people are far more skilled at lying than we often assume. When someone is bearing such a heavy secret, they might become adept at deception. I aimed to portray Alex as a convincingly skilled liar, and I?m curious to see if viewers can pick up on any subtle hints upon revisiting the episodes.
I genuinely believe her intentions stem from a noble place. While the outcomes of her choices are deeply flawed, I understand the motivations behind her actions. Alex is immature and sheltered, and although she harbors significant secrets and lies, her conviction in the cause she champions propels her forward, at least in the early episodes. Her belief in this cause unites her with others who share similar objectives, yet her methods raise ethical questions that complicate her journey.
Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix
In Episode 6, Alex’s secrets are revealed in a charged confrontation with her father. What do you remember about filming this pivotal scene, and how was it to engage in such intense sparring with De Niro?
That scene was incredibly intimidating for me. It was the moment I felt most anxious about, and I kept thinking that if I could just get through it, I?d finally be able to breathe a little easier. We filmed it all day, and it was an exhausting experience. The intensity of emotion required for that scene for such an extended period is no actor’s favorite scenario. However, Bob was immensely generous and patient, making the experience rewarding. His willingness to support his fellow actors is something that I genuinely appreciate and respect.
Reflecting on your first encounter with De Niro, you previously mentioned that you would ?let him lead,? given his towering presence in your life and career. How was that initial meeting for you?
I recall our first meeting took place in his office, which felt surreal. The walls were adorned with photos of him with numerous notable figures and iconic film moments, creating an almost museum-like atmosphere. Despite his legendary status, he was kind, genuine, and down-to-earth. It was clear that family is his top priority, a value that resonates deeply with me. My nerves were definitely present, and I can?t imagine how challenging it must be to navigate life under such intense scrutiny. I approached our meeting with curiosity about the person behind the fame, rather than leading with awe, although I had heard positive things about him from mutual acquaintances like Jesse Plemons, which contributed to my comfort.
The relationship between Alex and Roger, played by Jesse Plemons, is intentionally ambiguous. How would you describe their bond? Were they merely casual, or was there a deeper emotional connection?
One of the benefits of our six-month hiatus was the opportunity to discuss and shape the relationship between Alex and Roger. We gathered at Lesli?s house, along with Jesse, Eric, and others, to brainstorm how to convey the intricate history these characters share. Given the limited screen time they have together and the high-stakes environment surrounding them, it was crucial for us to infuse their interactions with depth and nuance.
We also explored the impact of Alex?s brother’s death on their relationship and how their tight-knit friendship had evolved over the years. Losing Roger compounded Alex’s grief, as he represented a significant part of her past. They had grown up together, experiencing the pressures of public life, and had found solace in each other amidst their struggles. Their bond is complicated and rich with shared history, secrets, and personal demons, which we aimed to subtly weave into their limited scenes together, enriching their story without excessive exposition.
From Alex’s perspective, how did you want to portray the aftermath of Roger’s death?
By the time Roger dies, Alex’s world is unraveling. The plan has fallen apart so drastically that the only way she can keep moving forward is by focusing on her ultimate goal. The reality of Roger’s death likely hits her during her conversation with her father when secrets finally come to light. However, she lacks the emotional capacity to process her loss in a healthy manner. Instead, she?s rushing through her grief, trying to avoid confronting her feelings not only about Roger but also about her brother and her role in the unfolding chaos.
You’ve transitioned from strength to strength in three diverse shows: ?Fleishman Is in Trouble,? ?Fatal Attraction,? and now ?Zero Day.? Many see this as a resurgence of your career?what do you make of this ?Caplanaissance??
I?ve never heard that term before! If I hear it from another person, I might start believing that you didn?t just invent that on the spot.
It?s a new term, so feel free to use it! You?ve openly acknowledged that many of the unconventional characters that defined your earlier work often didn?t receive the leading roles. Do you believe we?ve reached a cultural moment where these types of characters are more accepted?
What you?ve said rings true. The cultural landscape in TV and film has shifted dramatically. When I first started, unconventional or left-of-center characters were rarely the protagonists and often not viewed as desirable roles. People were drawn more
