Netflix’s latest action-comedy The Union has rapidly climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix UK, but the film’s success in streaming numbers hasn’t shielded its stars, Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, from critical scrutiny. Despite the popularity, The Union has faced a wave of negative reviews, marking a significant low point in the careers of its leading actors.
Plot Overview
The Union follows Mike, played by Mark Wahlberg, a construction worker from New Jersey who is unexpectedly dragged into the world of espionage by his high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry). The high-octane plot, filled with action and comedy, has been described as “fun” by a small group of viewers who appreciated the chemistry between Wahlberg and Berry. However, this positive reception is overshadowed by the majority’s unfavorable opinions.
Audience Reception
The film’s reception on Rotten Tomatoes paints a grim picture for The Union, with an audience score of just 28%. This rating is among the lowest in the last decade for both Wahlberg and Berry.
| Movie | Release Year | Audience Score | Lead Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Union | 2024 | 28% | Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry | Latest action-comedy, currently No. 1 on Netflix UK |
| Kings | 2017 | 31% | Halle Berry | Crime drama, poorly received |
| Mojave | 2015 | 30% | Mark Wahlberg | Thriller, critically panned |
| Me Time | 2022 | 32% | Mark Wahlberg | Comedy, underwhelmed audiences |
| X-Men: Days of Future Past | 2014 | 86% | Halle Berry | Highly rated superhero film |
| John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum | 2019 | 85% | Halle Berry | Successful action film |
| Father Stu | 2022 | 95% | Mark Wahlberg | Well-received biographical drama |
| Arthur the King | 2024 | 97% | Mark Wahlberg | Top-rated recent release |
Critic and Viewer Reactions
Most critics and viewers have labeled The Union as “generic” and “cheesy.” Social media platforms like X/Twitter are buzzing with disappointment, as many fans expected more from such seasoned actors. One viewer expressed, “Movies should make us feel something, so full marks to The Union on Netflix for generating so much boredom and depression.”
Comparative Analysis of Recent Films
Both Wahlberg and Berry have faced similar lows in their recent filmography, but The Union stands out as a particularly harsh misstep.
| Actor | Lowest Rated Film | Audience Score | Highest Rated Film | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halle Berry | The Union (2024) | 28% | X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) | 86% |
| Mark Wahlberg | The Union (2024) | 28% | Arthur the King (2024) | 97% |
Future of The Union:
Despite its critical panning, The Union has sparked discussions of a sequel. In an interview with Variety, Wahlberg, Berry, and director Julian Farino hinted at a possible multi-movie franchise. The decision not to have the characters kiss in the first film was deliberate, aiming to build anticipation for future installments.
Conclusion
The Union has proven that popularity on streaming platforms doesn’t always equate to critical success. While the film has managed to capture the top spot on Netflix UK, its poor reception may serve as a cautionary tale for the cast and creators as they consider the future of the franchise.
