Netflix is, by no means, a stranger to the action and thriller genre. With the streamer being home to a plethora of films falling within the action category, one would expect another action-centered movie to simply be an addition to the streamer’s already wide repertoire. However, director Julian Farino’s latest project, The Union, has made waves on the streaming platform. Since its release on August 16, 2024, the film claimed the coveted number one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for two weeks straight, accumulating an astounding 73.8 million viewing hours.
With a story penned by David Guggenheim, The Union‘s central plot revolves around a secret agent who requires the help of her high school boyfriend to take down a team that is intent on compromising national security. On paper, the film sounds similar to any other work in the genre. A secret spy working for a shadowy organization that no one knows about, opting out of all possible choices to get help from an old flame is not a new concept for viewers. However, the manner in which The Union weaves its story creates chemistry between its leads and smoothly blends action, romance, and comedy, which allows the film to stand out, attracting viewers like moths to a flame and allowing the film to remain in the top 10 on Netflix.
The Union Has the Berry-Wahlberg Pull
Spearheading the narrative of The Union are Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. Wahlberg takes on the role of Mike McKenna, a construction worker content to live his life in the town where he was brought up and sleep with his seventh-grade teacher. Berry plays Roxanne Hall, the skilled secret agent working for ‘The Union.’ Both Wahlberg and Berry are familiar names to any moviegoer and have been in the industry for decades, reaching fame in the ’90s. The expertise that the duo have accumulated over the years translates seamlessly onto screens in The Union, transforming an otherwise cliché plot into a work which captivates the attention of viewers.
Despite the romantic inclinations between Wahlberg and Berry’s characters and the abundance of time they spend together, Mike and Roxanne never kiss during the film. However, even without a physical relationship, the chemistry between the couple is palpable, speaking to the duo’s star power. The chemistry between Wahlberg and Berry is complemented by the individual charisma, skill, and flair that the actors bring to the storyline. This connection between the two, which is able to keep viewers effortlessly hooked on a love story that is not explicitly depicted, speaks volumes of the Berry-Wahlberg pull on viewers.
The Union Is an Action-Packed Watch with a Healthy Dose of Wit
In addition to Wahlberg and Berry’s talent at capturing and retaining the attention of audiences, The Union is also primarily dominated by fast-paced action, in which witty humor is seamlessly intertwined. The film’s comedic element is made obvious from the get-go. Mike’s relationship with his old teacher, mother, and friends sets the tone of the film, cementing it as a light-hearted, breezy watch. The action Roxanne brings with her as she waltzes into the narrative, tranquilizes Mike, and transports him across the pond before throwing him into a grueling training regimen easily complements the entertainment the film promises in its opening scenes.
Regardless of the high-stakes spy mission, a possible romance that hangs in the balance, the death of a beloved team member, and betrayal by another, the film does not venture into deep, heavy themes. Instead, it deals with its numerous combat situations, gun fights, on-foot pursuits, and high-speed car chases with a healthy dose of witty humor, sometimes posited by Berry’s Roxanne and at other times by Wahlberg’s Mike. The Union‘s supporting cast, including J.K. Simmons, Alice Lee, Mike Colter, and Jessica De Gouw, bring their own allure to the film, adding to the movie’s overall effect in their own individual ways.
Within a genre saturated by works that rely on complex emotions and weighty tones, The Union offers a refreshingly light-hearted, entertaining watch. The film’s ability to continuously dominate Netflix’s charts since its release becomes evident when one considers how The Union has been able to carve out a unique identity despite its almost stereotypical plot. The Berry-Wahlberg pull, coupled with the film’s take on action and wit, has ultimately led The Union to success. The Union is available to stream on Netflix.
