"G20," directed by Patricia Riggen and recently released on Prime Video, is a political action thriller. It features Viola Davis as Danielle Sutton and Anthony Starr as Rutledge. This film was beautifully done and captures the true strength behind a woman in the Presidency.
This film is about U.S. President Sutton, who was an Iraq War hero, faced with Terrorists at a G20 conference. She must defend the innocent world leaders during this terrorist attack. She uses her governing and military background to go against the terrorists.
Highs
In "G20," Davis portrays an emotion-driven President who is determined to protect innocent people. She is full of anger and determination that keeps the audience engaged. President Sutton has power as a woman and is an unflinching leader under pressure. The action scenes Davis portrays are compelling and full of strength; this is impressive and thrilling. She naturally embodies the role of a wartime president, striking a balance between assertive protectiveness and sound judgment.
This film features compelling action scenes that showcase the vigor of fighting and strategic conflict. The other agents, such as Manny Ruiz (Ramon Rodriguez), who is a Secret Service agent, do everything in their power to protect Sutton. His character is a highlight because he is loyal, courageous, and selfless. The bond between Manny and Sutton is intense and beautiful; she respects him and owes her life to him.
Another highlight is Antony Starr portraying the crypto-terrorist Rutledge. He has this manipulation tactic and is power-hungry. Starr shows the perfect emotions of anger and resentment for the American President. This makes the film more engaging, as we understand his motive and why being in the military changed him.
The bond between Sutton and Han Min-Seo (MeeWha Alana Lee) is beautifully captured. She is a supporting character with no experience in fighting, but she decides to trust Sutton. This trust goes a long way and creates a friendship between the two. She has the emotional depth that is needed and takes her chance to defend Sutton after everything that has happened.
Lows
There are minimal lows in "G20," considering how action-packed and compelling it is. The main low was how typical the plot is, because it has familiar elements similar to those found in political thrillers. The real motive behind the crypto-terrorist attack was weak because it should have been something more extreme.
Also, Sutton’s past as a military operative lacks background. There should have been a flashback scene that would allow the audience to understand the emotion behind why it haunted Sutton.
Verdict
"G20" is worth watching, considering how impressive Davis’s performance as President Sutton is. This is an action-packed and politically thrilling film that captures the audience’s attention.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
