Only now, in recent history, is it possible to see John Cena pair up for a political thriller alongside Brian Cox. Esteemed thespians through and through, each brings a particular sense of unique worth to The Independent. Whether comparisons to All the President’s Men can be made is up, solely, to how Cena carries himself. Journalists are wiry, bespectacled creatures that are fuelled by caffeine and the occasional meal, not people who brush shoulders with the powerhouse Greek God that Cena is presented as here. It is a new role for the man that made his mark in light comedies, though, and it is thoroughly deserving considering his knack for leading roles, as showcased here.
Telling the truth portrayed as a revolutionary act, and George Orwell opens this piece yet leaves very little mark on this deep dive into modern-day newsroom fiascos. Deadlines and round-the-clock action put the thriller-like pacing in motion almost immediately, for The Independent to work it needs that consistent rush. It marks that well, with Cox providing some backstory to a fictional presidential race and a grand appearance for Cena, whose villainous introduction gives people the heel turn people were clamouring for. This is such a major change of pace for the former wrestler, and, by all means, he is digging deep into that opportunity. He, along with Cox, Jodie-Turner Smith and Ann Dowd, carry a quickly dwindling story.
Stephen Lang makes some smattering appearances too, and despite the dwindling lines that follow political dismay and reporting and the quality needed for it, The Independent soon loses its way. Often lambasting the link between press and politics, The Independent appears to make the argument that should the truth be muffled, it can merely be reproduced elsewhere. That is a simplified view, but there are great discussions beyond the political thriller about the motif of the press. Do clicks equate to success beyond that of real reporting? Do people even care for the latter anymore? Who knows, The Independent certainly doesn’t have the answer but has the flames of great debate underlying it.
Dramatic cohesion always ruins one part or another of the political thriller with press ties. The Front Runner struggled to make its shadowy espionage and investigation stick, but its dedication to trying to chase that post-All the President’s Men high is notable. The Independent is at least more thrilling than the likes of The Post or Truth, but not entirely as linked to the groundwork or reality it hopes to bring with it. Big egos, bigger scoops and a hope that an audience will hop onto this all-star cast of characters delving deep down the potential lines of political subterfuge. It is interesting not in its engrossing links or character developments but in its slights and almost passive dialogue. It works far, far better than director Amy Rice would have expected for a Peacock exclusive. Truth is inherently important, but how far it will last in an ever-changing environment that has shifted to chasing clicks for sustainability is the question everyone is chasing the answer for, including The Independent. Easy to speak of action, harder still to do it, impossible to maintain. Good fun to watch, though.
