Viola Davis Delivers an Adrenaline-Fueled Performance as a Kickass President in “G20”

Oscar award-winning American actress Viola Davis as a kickass President? Nothing prepares you for the intriguing ride that her stellar performance offers.

While  Davis’s  ajve delivered commanding roles as a leader particularly in “The Woman King” (2022), “G20″ might be her best film, yet.

Playing the lead role as Danielle Sutton, Davies absolutely hit the mark for a  president, who is humble but will stop at nothing to protect her family, friends and her country.

The story, written by Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, and Logan and Noah Miller, follows Sutton’s journey, a president with military experience. She has both the commanding regality of a leader and the imposing physicality of a fighter.

As the protagonist, Danielle is forced to rely on her military combat skills when her plans are thwarted. A G20 summit she hosted in South Africa plunged into chaos when terrorists took Heads of States hostage.

The conference is Sutton’s idea to further push her agenda to help the poorer regions of Africa to gain better and easier access to digital banking capabilities across the world.

However, her antagonist played by Zealand actor Antony Starr known for “The Boys” series, has a contradicting plan.  He incites fear by hijacking Danielle’s plan using deep fake technology to convince the world that it is a cover for world leaders to covet the finances of poor countries. It may look like his mission was to save the poor countries but on a deeper level, it is a ploy to rob the world through cryptocurrency.

At its core, “G20” intriguingly balances parenting, comic relief and political commentary. The tension of Sutton’s integral relationship with her rebellious 18-year-old daughter Serena Sutton played by Marsai Martin portrays it particularly.

Viewers are brought into the home of a ‘President’ to see how they live and train their children. Sutton juggles her political office and jer domestic  role of being a good mom and wife.

In a world where there is underrepresentation of women in high political offices, “G20” offers a fictional glimpse into what the leadership of an ‘American female Black President’ might be like.

Aside from Davis’ outstanding performance as Sutton, her character synergy with her bodyguard Manny Ruiz played by Ramón Rodríguez of “The Affair” series, is one that reminds you of the depth of loyalty. Both characters relied on each other in the most natural way to deepen the connection needed in their relationship.

The relationship between Sutton and her husband Derek Sutton (Anthony Anderson) is also seamless. Anderson delivers a supportive husband who truly loves his wife and stands by her political aspirations, rarely seen.

Patricia Riggen’s direction of “G20” is intense and grips you right from the opening scene. It is like taking a bite of a feast, only to crave for more. It disguises as predictable only to take you on an expected twist.

The high stakes explored in the progression of the film also built up the tension that kept viewers at the edge of their seats. Like when Danielle had to choose between running away or coming back to save her husband. Both options, obviously difficult. What can be more intriguing than when an action hero is torn between two deadly decisions?

The pacing of its scenes, as captured by Checco Varese and edited by Emma E. Hickox and Doc Crotzer leaves your heart pumping as an action genre should. I cannot but mention its dialogue too, brilliant!

“G20,” released by Amazon Studios, as an action thriller predominantly touches on themes of family, politics and betrayal. Navigating these nuances, it sees its lead character Viola Davis in her elements, delivering her usual deeply felt performance once again.

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes

Streaming Service: Prime Video

Director: Patricia Riggen

Cast: Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Ramón Rodríguez, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Marvel, Sabrina Impacciatore, Clark Gregg, and Antony Starr.