Zero (2024) - Film Review

      Zero, 2024.

      Directed by Jean Luc Herbulot.

      Featuring Hus Miller, Cam McHarg, Gary Dourdan, Roger Sallah, and Willem Dafoe.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Two Americans find themselves in Dakar, Senegal, with bombs attached to their bodies and only ten hours to uncover the reason why.

      Zero is the newest project from Jean Luc Herbulot, the Congolese director known for the notable genre-blending film Saloum (2021). He continues to demonstrate that he is a talented and promising filmmaker to keep an eye on. Both Zero and Saloum are commendable films, but they also hint that Herbulot might deliver a remarkable film in the future if he fine-tunes his storytelling.

      Hus Miller portrays an American referred to simply as One. He awakens on a bus in Dakar with a bomb on his chest and is instructed by a voice through an earpiece (a menacing yet dryly humorous Willem Dafoe) to complete five tasks for him. Soon, One encounters Two (Cam McHarg), another individual harboring a bomb, and together they must collaborate to fulfill the missions and avert explosions.

      Herbulot’s film starts out as a straightforward thriller but gradually transforms into something more fragmented and heavy-handed as various plot threads and characters advocating for political commentary are introduced. While the themes are clear, the journey to reveal them can be convoluted at times, with Herbulot presenting information at a rapid pace. One and Two undeniably symbolize the wealth and violence that America perpetuates in other countries, but Herbulot inadvertently emphasizes this with a character named Daniel (Gary Dourdan), who almost reprimands the audience.

      Despite its sporadically chaotic narrative, Zero remains a stylish and enjoyable experience. Herbulot energizes each scene with vibrant colors (notably bright tracksuits) and effectively utilizes overhead drone shots alongside the Dakar backdrop. The rhythmically rich score by James BKS contributes to the film's constant energy. A standout moment features an explosion with characters being propelled into the air in slow motion.

      Miller and McHarg have great chemistry as One and Two. Miller embodies a bundle of nerves, while McHarg’s character exudes coolness and efficiency. However, Dafoe undeniably steals the show. Though never appearing on screen, his character's watchful presence is consistently felt. Dafoe could easily have delivered his lines with indifference, but he instead conveys them with conviction and clarity.

      Zero is a slight step back from Saloum, but it remains an impressive offering from Herbulot. It delivers ample humor, excitement, and striking visuals. With a more polished script and less didacticism, it could have been outstanding.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Daniel Rester is a freelance film critic and member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance. He possesses a bachelor's degree with dual majors in Film/TV and Emerging Media and Digital Arts.