If I were being honest, I have often been disappointed with ‘straight to streaming’ action films. Even though budgets can be just as massive as their onscreen counterparts, there’s often something lacking from them. But that makes it all the more exciting to highlight one that genuinely pops.
Today, Prime Video takes that prize with G20.
In their new action film G20, we meet US President Danielle Sutton (Viola Davis) as she prepares for the upcoming G20 conference in South Africa. Sutton has come under political fire for her plans to help save the world and she knows that a room full of global legislators can be a dangerous place. However, when the summit comes under siege, President Sutton faces off against an entirely different type of danger. After she evades capture from the terrorists, Sutton is thrown into action as she must defend her country from certain destruction and save her family from certain death.
Directed by Patricia Riggen, G20 is an old school, shoot-em-up thriller in the template of 80s and 90s actioners. Reminiscent of films like Die Hard, Air Force One and Patriot Games, G20 takes its combat very seriously. While there are moments of humour, this is the sort of film that takes no prisoners. Set pieces are a tonne of fun (and over-the-top when necessary), the villain is suitably Machiavellian and, most importantly, we have a great lead hero in Viola Davis.
And, frankly, Davis might be the most surprising aspect of the film.
Known primarily for her dramatic work, Davis hasn’t often taken on roles that allow her to let loose. But, in G20, she’s absolutely on fire with focus and fury. Because this feels so outside the box for her, you can tell that she’s enjoying the opportunity. As ex-military, President Sutton has the ‘particular set of skills’. As a result, whether she’s sneaking around in the search for hostages or taking down baddies with a machine gun, Davis dives in with enthusiasm. Here, she’s got the steely glare of Harrison Ford and the physical ferocity of Angelina Jolie.
What’s more, G20 works hard to flesh out her character as more than just an expat with an axe to grind. Instead, the film tries to balance her personal and professional life. There’s a humanity that is embedded within her character that keeps her feeling authentic, even as the body count continues to rise. As president, she is looking to solve the world’s problems. But, at home, she’s struggling to solve her own issues with her teenage daughter. She is a woman who wants to lead with wisdom, but is willing to mix things up when she needs to do so.
After all, despite her time in the military, President Sutton isn’t a ‘wartime president’. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. To her, the best way forward for global culture is ‘together’. If we want to end world hunger, we work together. If we want peace, we work together. With harmony on the horizon, this is her mantra. (Yet it’s also that mentality that angers her opponents as well.)
Actually, it’s also interesting to point out that this emphasis on together is what sets G20 apart from those classic 80s actioners. Whereas those were usually structured as ‘one man (usually white) against all odds, G20 takes more of a collective approach to saving the world. Don’t get me wrong. President Sutton is more than capable to take out a team of baddies. Even so, there are multiple characters who are willing to play their part to see these terrorists brought down. (Even ‘First Husband’ Anthony Anderson gets his chance to shine.)
In this way, it’s worth noting that the brightest amidst these co-stars is Ramon Rodriguez. As Agent Manny Ruiz, President Sutton’s chief-of-security, Rodriguez is an absolute gem. He’s more than willing to take a bullet for his Commander in Chief and determined to give his all to keep her safe. His commitment to Sutton is so endearing that one cannot help but fall in love with his character’s sincerity.
Admittedly, the film isn’t perfect. There are moments when character stories are bumpy and the villain’s plan can be confusing at times. But G20 kicks butt with so much energy that one cannot help but enjoy the ride.
G20 is available on Prime Video on April 10th, 2025.
