The Union connects a smart script with a strong cast for a new romantic spy comedy

The Union is a fun new espionage thriller/romantic comedy that just landed on Netflix. It’s helmed by Julian Farino who’s best known for directing several episodes of the Entourage series. That might seem like an odd match, but this picture mixes the politics and particulars of a spycraft procedural with the pop and sizzle of an odd couple rom-com. And thanks to a deft script and strong performances from its talented cast, The Union manages to deliver each without undermining the other. Mike McKenna (Mark Wahlberg) is an everyman construction worker, living a simple life in New Jersey and still carrying a torch for his teenage sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry).