
Viola Davis's G20: A Ridiculously Misguided Attempt at Hollywood Patriotism
2025-04-11
Author: Ting
Need a break from the chaos of politics? Amazon Prime Video has dropped a new film titled "G20," which is set in an outrageous alternate reality where a Black woman is elected president, embodying justice and idealism, and America is still a respected global leader. If you can overlook its implausible premise, you might just find yourself spending over 90 minutes lost in this electrifying thriller, just as I did!
In this fantasy, President Danielle Sutton, portrayed by the talented Viola Davis, seems to want viewers to forget her accolades and focus instead on her preparedness to tackle bad guys. Not only is she a president; she’s a dedicated mother and a war hero with a grand plan to combat world hunger through digital currency. Her first international showdown? You guessed it—a G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa.
But wait! Sutton faces a classic movie dilemma: her treasury secretary reminds her that diplomacy, not bullying, is key to rallying world leaders behind her agenda. Given today's climate where the U.S. is seen as a global villain, this diplomatic fantasy feels shockingly out of touch.
The plot thickens when a group of unidentified villains blows up the summit and takes everyone hostage, forcing Sutton into action. This president has to channel her inner action hero, a role familiar to viewers thanks to film tropes where the American president becomes a spectacular fighter against nefarious forces, akin to Harrison Ford in "Air Force One" or Jamie Foxx in "White House Down."
Yet, in a time where America's reputation is in decline—Canada’s prime minister recently remarked on the deteriorated relationship—"G20" seems cluelessly misplaced. Its release echoes a dissonance that many viewers may find unsettling, especially given its heavy-handed patriotism.
Let's talk about the script. No details about the villains' motives are ever established, leading to a confusing mix of grievances that feel haphazardly thrown together—a critique on America’s foreign aid yet anger over perceived exploitation? And is there an exit plan for the villains? It's vague at best. At one point, we even see a jarring mix-up where a villain 'returns from the dead'—twice! The most strikingly realistic character? The Australian antagonist who spouts casual racism, reflecting a troubling aspect of societal norms.
Among the absurdities, G20 offers a treasure trove of outlandish moments. A prison poster simply stating "CRIME," an opening line about needing a crypto wallet, and hotel staff treating the summit like a bargain vacation spot are just a few examples of where fiction strays into farce.
Viola Davis, who we all admire, struggles under the awkward weight of a script that feels more like a parody than a sincere attempt at storytelling. The most memorable line belongs to the villain, who chillingly calls out Sutton: “You’re no hero. You’re a fake president.” Such criticism resonates more now than it should.
With Hollywood attempting to restore pride with action-packed fantasies, "G20" fails magnificently by being poorly timed and utterly offensive. In an era plagued by real global challenges, this film feels less like an escape and more like a misguided relic—a fantasy that could use a solid dose of reality.