Terminator Zero Review: The Terminator franchise has gone through a series of turbulent phases over the years, with some chapters that have marked iconic moments in cinema history and others that, unfortunately, have contributed to tarnishing the legacy of the saga. In this context, Terminator Zero, the new anime series produced by Netflix, represents a bold attempt to revive a narrative world that seemed destined for oblivion. But, despite the obvious efforts and some notable successes, the series fails to fully take off.
Terminator Zero: New Lifeblood for the Franchise
After years of ups and downs, the Terminator saga seems to have found new life thanks to Terminator Zero, the latest product from Netflix that distances itself from recent failures to offer an animated experience full of action and, above all, emotions. However, despite its merits, the film fails to go beyond the surface of moral issues that could have made it a true masterpiece.
The plot unfolds between two timelines, 1997 and 2022, telling the story of Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno), a resistance fighter who desperately tries to find Malcolm Lee (André Holland), the only hope against Skynet and its creation, Kokoro, an artificial intelligence with devastating potential, voiced by an exceptional Rosario Dawson. Lee's family dynamics, tormented by the weight of his choices and the fear of what he could unleash, constitute the emotional heart of the narrative. The character of Malcolm Lee is perhaps the most interesting and complex of the series. He is a man tormented, not only by the weight of his responsibilities but also by the fear of the consequences of his creations. Kokoro, in fact, represents a sort of paradox: if on the one hand, it is seen as the last chance to save humanity, on the other its existence raises disturbing questions about the very ability of human beings to deserve such salvation. This ambivalence is at the center of the moral conflict that permeates the entire series, even if unfortunately it is not explored as thoroughly as one might wish.
From a technical point of view, Terminator Zero is a high-quality product. The animation is fluid and detailed, capable of capturing both the frenetic action of the battles and the most intimate and reflective moments. The dystopian setting is rendered with great care, recalling the dark and oppressive atmospheres that have always characterized the franchise. Particularly notable is the design of the Terminator, which while remaining faithful to the classic models, introduces new elements of unease, such as the innovative bow-crossbow integrated into the cyborg's arm.
Despite its visuals and excellent soundtrack, composed by Michelle Birsky and Kevin Henthorn, Terminator Zero stops short of entering the pantheon of great animated films. Philosophical questions, such as the value of human life and the fate of humanity, are addressed superficially, leaving the impression that the screenwriters were afraid to dare too much. This means that the film, while solid and enjoyable, fails to reach the heights that its premise could have promised.
Terminator Zero: evaluation and conclusion
Terminator Zero is a half-successful operation. While on the one hand, it restores dignity to the franchise after years of disappointments, on the other, it limits itself to following already beaten paths, without the courage to fully explore the themes it raises. A film that will please fans of the saga and lovers of cyberpunk animation, but which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth for what could have been.