Netflix’s ‘The Union’: A romcom spy-thriller that leaves you wanting more
A unique blend of romance and espionage
Netflix has once again delivered a captivating blend of genres with its latest release, The Union. This romcom spy-thriller centers on the rekindled romance between two estranged high school sweethearts: blue-collar construction worker Mike, played by Mark Wahlberg, and secret agent Roxanne, portrayed by Halle Berry. The film’s 109-minute runtime is packed with action, intrigue, and a touch of romance, but notably, the pair never share a kiss—a deliberate choice by director Julian Farino.
The art of leaving fans wanting more
Farino revealed that the decision to forgo a kiss was “long debated” but ultimately made to keep audiences yearning for more. “We take the relationship to a certain place, and then I think you’ve got to leave a lot of space to go,” Farino explained at the film’s L.A. premiere. “Netflix always said to us at the beginning, ‘You have to think of this as a possible three-movie idea.’ So if an audience comes out wanting a kiss, then we’ve probably done alright, in my opinion.”
Bringing ‘The Union’ to life
The red carpet at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theater was abuzz with excitement as Farino, Berry, Wahlberg, and the rest of the cast discussed the making of The Union. The film follows a secret service division known as “The Union,” which specializes in transforming ordinary blue-collar workers into elite spies. When an overseas mission goes awry, Roxanne returns to New Jersey to recruit her high school sweetheart, Mike, whose anonymity and construction skills make him an ideal candidate for the team.
The chemistry and the chase
Both Berry and Wahlberg echoed Farino’s sentiments about the absence of a kiss. “Once they kiss, then it’s over. We’re hoping if we get to do a second one, we’ll let that chase continue,” Berry explained. “You want to see the journey—to see these two high school sweethearts find each other.” Wahlberg added, “If we get to go on and do something else, I would imagine there’ll be a lot more than a kiss. But, you know, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
A global production
The Union is not just a story of romance and espionage; it’s also a testament to the power of on-location shooting. The film’s production spanned New Jersey, New York, London, and Slovenia, offering a wide scope that is increasingly rare in today’s industry. Berry expressed her excitement about shooting on location, saying, “We could be on a stage somewhere, just making it all up and pretending that we’re in Italy, that we’re in London or Croatia. But we really got to go to these places, and I think that adds to the authenticity of the filmmaking. It helps us as actors get in the right headspace. And then we get to have fun in the off time.”
A promising start
The Union is now streaming on Netflix, and it’s already generating buzz for its unique blend of romance and action. The film’s deliberate choice to leave the audience wanting more sets the stage for potential sequels, promising an exciting journey ahead for Mike and Roxanne. Whether you’re a fan of romcoms, spy thrillers, or both, The Union offers a fresh and engaging experience that’s worth the watch.
For those who enjoy diving into the world of cinema and TV series, The Union is a must-see. Its innovative approach to storytelling, combined with the chemistry between Wahlberg and Berry, makes it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a thrilling ride that’s sure to leave you eagerly anticipating what comes next.