The Union Movie Review: “The Union,” directed by Michael Sarnoski, is a high-stakes action thriller released in 2024. With a star-studded cast that includes Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, and J.K. Simmons, the film attempts to bring together diverse elements of drama, action, and intense storytelling. It sets itself in a dystopian near-future world where alliances and betrayals form the backbone of the narrative. The Union promises to explore the idea of unity in a broken world while delivering intense action sequences.
At the heart of the film is Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Cole, a disillusioned ex-soldier with a dark past. Wahlberg’s performance is a gritty, raw interpretation of a man haunted by his previous choices and driven by a need for redemption. The character fits comfortably within Wahlberg’s acting repertoire, as he often excels in roles where strength and vulnerability collide.
His character is approached by an underground organization known as “The Union,” whose mission is to take down corrupt government factions. Wahlberg brings an emotional complexity to Cole that deepens the character’s motivations and helps ground the film in some form of realism despite the fantastical elements of the plot.
The Union Movie Review
Halle Berry, playing an enigmatic operative named Sofia, provides a strong counterpart to Wahlberg. Berry’s portrayal of Sofia is measured and precise, with a focus on resilience and intelligence. As the plot unfolds, Sofia’s motivations become more complex, and Berry is able to balance the character’s emotional depth with her physical prowess in combat scenes. Her chemistry with Wahlberg creates an interesting dynamic, though it feels slightly underdeveloped in certain areas. Despite this, Berry’s portrayal stands as one of the film’s stronger elements, and she commands attention in every scene she’s in.
Mike Colter brings a commanding presence to his role as Marcus, a former ally turned antagonist. Colter’s screen presence is undeniable, and he expertly navigates the line between a charismatic leader and a ruthless villain. Marcus is a man with a clear, dangerous agenda, and Colter imbues him with a sense of menace and gravitas. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje also shines in a supporting role as Noah, a morally ambiguous character who switches sides as it suits his interests. Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s portrayal brings an extra layer of intrigue, and his scenes often leave the audience questioning his true loyalties.
Jessica De Gouw and Alice Lee provide able support as members of The Union, though their characters are not explored in great depth. De Gouw plays a tech-savvy specialist, while Lee portrays a hardened fighter. Their performances are competent, but the script doesn’t offer them much room to grow beyond the archetypes of their roles.
Jackie Earle Haley, in a brief but memorable role as a corrupt government official, delivers a chilling performance, reminding audiences why he remains a formidable presence on screen. J.K. Simmons, as always, elevates his role, even if his character is somewhat limited in screen time. Playing a grizzled military veteran, Simmons brings his signature intensity and wit, which adds a layer of gravitas to the film’s core themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
Sarnoski’s direction is visually impressive. He crafts a dystopian world that feels lived-in, with a mix of futuristic technology and decaying urban landscapes. The setting contributes greatly to the overall tone of the film, giving it a gritty realism that enhances the tension. His action sequences are well choreographed, with a focus on practical effects and grounded combat. The film opts for more intimate, hand-to-hand fights rather than large-scale, bombastic action scenes, which works to its advantage, creating a more visceral and immediate sense of danger.
The Union Movie Review
However, despite its visual strengths and strong performances, “The Union” struggles with pacing issues. The first half of the film moves at a slow, deliberate pace, as it sets up the world and its characters. While this allows for some character development, it may test the patience of viewers who expect more immediate action. The second half of the film picks up considerably, but some of the early plot points feel rushed or under-explained. There are moments where the film feels overburdened by its own complexity, introducing new plot threads or character motivations that aren’t fully fleshed out.
Thematically, “The Union” explores ideas of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of unity in a fractured society. The title itself suggests the importance of alliances, and the film frequently returns to the question of whether true unity is achievable in a world rife with corruption and self-interest. The characters’ internal struggles often reflect the larger socio-political turmoil in the film’s world, making for some compelling moments of introspection.
However, the script occasionally stumbles, as it tries to balance these deeper themes with the demands of an action-packed narrative. The film’s dialogue can sometimes veer into cliché, particularly during moments of emotional confrontation, which detracts from the otherwise sharp tone.
The cinematography and score add to the overall atmosphere of the film. The dark, muted color palette emphasizes the bleakness of the world the characters inhabit, while the score by an unnamed composer punctuates the tension effectively, though it rarely stands out on its own. In the action sequences, the combination of sound design and visuals helps create a sense of immersion, pulling the audience into the intensity of the moment.
Overall, “The Union” is a solid addition to the dystopian action genre, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to. The performances, particularly from Wahlberg, Berry, and Colter, are strong, and Sarnoski’s direction creates a visually arresting world. However, the film’s pacing issues and occasionally underdeveloped characters prevent it from being truly great. Fans of action-thrillers will likely find enough to enjoy, especially in the latter half of the film when the plot picks up speed, but “The Union” ultimately feels like a film that had the potential to do more with its intriguing premise.
Director: Julian Farino
Story by: David Guggenheim
Distributed by: Netflix
Cinematography: Alan Stewart
Music by: Rupert Gregson-Williams