Viola Davis as the President in a Die Hard situation? Say less. With director Patricia Riggen at the helm, G20 is an electrifying, adrenaline-fueled thriller where the women dominate every frame, and the men hold their own as essential and kinda epic. It’s a wild ride that’s a whole lot of fun, even if it makes absolutely no sense.
G20 unfolds during a high-stakes global summit in Cape Town, South Africa, where world leaders have gathered to address pressing international issues. Things take a turn when terrorists infiltrate the summit, leveraging advanced deepfake and AI technology to manipulate global markets and cash in. At the center of the chaos is President Danielle Sutton, a popular leader whose rise to power was cemented by a TIME magazine photo showcasing her as a war hero. But beneath her poised exterior and battlefield accolades, Sutton is hiding a layer of guilt that shapes how she handles the threat. Now, she must rely on her leadership skills and military expertise to protect her family, safeguard her colleagues, and thwart the terrorists’ plans as the fate of global stability hangs in the balance.
As President Sutton, Viola Davis radiates the kind of gravitas that makes you wonder if she should run for office in real life. Her chemistry with Marsai Martin, who plays her tech-inclined daughter Serena Sutton, is the emotional backbone of the film. Serena starts out as the standard “bad girl” in black leather and fishnets, but as chaos unfolds, she transforms into a capable operative and fierce guardian for her little brother, Demetrius Sutton, played by Christopher Farrar. While Demetrius’s love of anime and superheroes doesn’t get explored beyond a few quips (a missed opportunity), Serena stepping up to protect him when the stakes are highest is satisfying.
And Ramón Rodríguez as the fine (extremely fine), loyal Secret Service agent Manny Ruiz? He’s the bestie we all want and the heroic sidekick we need, steadfast and resourceful in the chaos. Meanwhile, Anthony Anderson as Derek, President Sutton’s husband, beautifully models “good love” as a husband and father who will ball or fall for his family.
The villain, Rutledge, played with unhinged stunting by Antony Starr, is suitably insane and explosive—exactly the kind of chaos engine you want in a movie like this. Starr brings a level of menace and unpredictability that keeps you on edge, embodying a villain who’s as charismatic as he is terrifying. And it was a nice to see Julius Tennon (Davis’ husband and co-producer of the film) step into the role of the CIA Director, lending a authority to his scenes.
But the women own this film—just being honest. (Although Rodríguez makes a strong case for Manny.) Viola commands every scene with a quiet intensity that makes you believe she’s running the free world, while Marsai evolves from rebellious teen to fierce protector, proving she’s every bit her mother’s daughter.
Other standouts include MeeWha Alana Lee as Han Min-Seo, a character so compelling that somebody give her a movie or show of her own already. Better yet, in G22, bring her back to help Danielle and Manny win again—because the world could always use more Han Min-Seo. Sabrina Impacciatore as Elena Romano, and Douglas Hodge as Prime Minister Oliver Everett also come through with memorable performances. You probably will wonder: Why none of the terrorist are looking for the British Prime Minister, though. When money and destabilization are the goals, the Pound Sterling still has weight.
That said, G20 throws logic out the window and never looks back. Some things are set up but never get a payoff—like Derek being a doctor (which could have been very useful). Other things don’t get enough set-up, like the sudden revelation that President Dani is a Call of Duty-level marksman. Unlike her judo skills, there’s not enough explanation outside of her military career. Not every service person can drop a target in the dark, but Sutton is casually John McClane with a sniper rifle—but, I’m not complaining, it was enjoyable to watch. The audience in my theater cheered too. Viola as our lethal Madam President, with a woman director calling the shots, and enough action to keep your pulse racing? I’d easily invite my friends over for a second watch.
So, does G20 sometimes lose its grip on logic? Sure. But it’s a big, bold, unapologetically fun action-thriller where relationships are strong, the action is fierce, and the women reign supreme. For that, I’m calling my friends over.
G20 streams Globally on Prime Video April 10
