People are criticizing Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry for their performance in “The Union,” citing their qualms about their lack of chemistry. However, the films director revealed the reason behind the dialed-back romance.
Hollywood stars Halle Berry and Mark Wahlbergs Netflix movie “The Union” has garnered incredible success. However, despite being one of the most viewed movies in the US, netizens have been left unimpressed by the actors performances for an array of different reasons.
User comment about Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, posted on August 21, 2024 | Source: X/@Dsalz
The romcom spy-thriller scored the number one spot on Netflixs “Top 10 Films in the US” list from August 12 to August 18. It stood head and shoulders above other popular movies like “Jack Reacher,” “Night School,” and the cult classic noughties film “White Chicks,” which sat at number ten.
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While the information above indicates that people cant get enough of watching “The Union,” viewer opinion of the movies content casts a dark shadow on its statistical success.
A picture of the title of the movie, posted on June 26, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Observers are upset by the lack of chemistry shared between Berry and Wahlbergs characters and feel it wasnt their best performance, particularly where Berry is concerned.
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One Facebooker expressed their point of view in the comment section of a media outlets post about the movie, in which they claimed that people are calling “The Union” a “must watch” film.
They wrote, “I wonder who is saying all this. I feel that there is no chemistry between Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg, the script missed so many marks and the pacing was just all over the place.”
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from “The Union,” posted on June 26, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“Halle Berry is painful to watch,” criticized another netizen. Someone else chimed in with, “Terrible film. Boring as hell with no chemistry between the two of them.”
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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Similarly, a Reddit user echoed, “Dont think Ive ever seen two human beings with less chemistry than these two. Absolute trash, this movie.”
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“This movie did not deserve to be made,” noted another critic. Another opinionated social media user penned, “This romance thing theyre trying to do in this The [Union] movie is so awkward. Halles character seems kinda… I bet she had some kind of no kissing clause in her contract.”
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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On the other hand, some people drew their attention to how Berrys blonde and dark brown pixie cut looked in the movie. “Will I remember it next week? Only Ms. [Berrys] awful hair,” asserted someone on Reddit. Adding to the disdain for the actress hair, another netizen , “[Her] hair is distracting.”
Halle Berry | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“[The] person who picked up the hairstyle for Berry should never work again,” expressed a user. Others spoke about their desire for Berry and Wahlberg to share at least one intimate moment. “I wanted them to kiss,” mentioned someone on X.
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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While the stars received a lot of flak for their parts in the film, some enjoyed the movie. One fan praised, “Watching [The Union] movie. Great movie.”
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Another admirer commended, “I gotta say, I laughed […] Great action scenes […] Highly recommend it […] 8.7/10.”
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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Even though many are disappointed that Berry and Mark Wahlberg did not share a smooch somewhere in the film, “The Union” director, Julian Farino, revealed how this was done on purpose.
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Farino recently spoke about the action movie that follows the story of two estranged high school sweethearts (secret agent Roxanne aka Berry and blue-collar construction worker Mike aka Wahlberg) to a media outlet.
Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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He disclosed that, although the decision for Roxanne and Mike to abstain from kissing was “long debated,” they ultimately went forward with the choice in an effort to leave fans wanting more.
Mark Wahlberg | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“We take the relationship to a certain place, and then I think youve got to leave a lot of space to go. Netflix always said to us at the beginning, You have to think of this as a possible three-movie idea. So if an audience comes out wanting a kiss, then weve probably done alright, in my opinion,” Farino shared.
Julian Farino at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Union” in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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From Farinos statement about the no-kissing decision, its clear that he and the rest of the movies team managed to achieve the outcome they were looking for—viewers wanting to see a kiss shared between Berry and Wahlberg.
The commentary about their lack of chemistry and intimacy in the film follows closely after Halle Berry left mouths agape with her sultry ensemble that she wore at “The Union” Los Angeles premiere on August 12. Her look caused quite a stir online.
Fan comment about Halle Berry, posted on August 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
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Berry made a grand entrance in a sheer, black dress that left everyone talking. This daring outfit was more than just a showstopper—it was a bold statement.
Halle Berry arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With its floral lace pattern, deep V-neckline, and fitted waist, the knee-length dress artfully revealed just enough while ensuring all eyes were on the star.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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The Ohio native clearly enjoyed the spotlight, striking poses from every angle for eager photographers. The sheer fabric of her dress provided tantalizing glimpses that had heads turning.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Complementing her ensemble, Berry chose black pumps adorned with double leather straps and semi-sheer mesh material, adding an extra touch of sophistication.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Her face was equally captivating. With her chin-length brunette bob styled in soft, beachy waves, Berry exuded effortless elegance. She kept her makeup simple with warm dramatic smoky eyes and completed her radiant, sun-kissed look with a hint of soft pink blush, a glimmer of gold highlighter, and a glossy nude lip.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Berrys accessories were simple but classy. She adorned her ears with diamond-studded circular earrings and stacked several dainty rings on her fingers. Her bright white manicure provided a striking contrast.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Berrys recent red carpet appearance left little to the imagination and sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and critics alike. One enthusiastic fan gushed, “She looks good in it. As lingerie, I love it, but not so much as a dress.”
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
It seemed that Berrys fearless fashion choice had some wondering if it was more suitable for a boudoir than a premiere. Age-defying glamour was another hot topic. Berry, at 58, had fans marveling at her youthful radiance. “58????? What?????” exclaimed one astonished admirer. “Dang she looks beyond amazing ❤️❤️,” they added.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Another fan was equally impressed, exclaiming, “How is she 58. My brain is glitching! She looks fab. 🔥” Another added, “Prettiest 58-year-old, Ive seen ❤️.” The consensus among her supporters was clear: Halle Berry, at 58, is still the epitome of glamour.
Halle Berry attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was on board with Berrys daring outfit. Critics voiced their opinions, with one commentator advising, “Put some clothes on and have some class.”
Another lamented, “Shes better than this,” and a third pointed out, “This aint an age-appropriate dress 🤦.” Its clear that while Berrys outfit dazzled many, it also stirred debate about fashion, age, and class.
User comment about Halle Berry, posted on August 12, 2024 | Source: Facebook/extra
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Joining her was the ever-suave Wahlberg, who, at 53, proved that age is no barrier to style. He opted for a chic, understated look with a white T-shirt, a muted blue zip-up jacket, and black pants.
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry attend the Los Angeles premiere of Netflixs “The Union” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
His white sneakers added a modern touch to his effortlessly stylish ensemble. The actor was in high spirits, flashing a wide grin for a family photo that featured his supermodel wife and their kids. Together, they showcased a picture-perfect family moment.
As Berry and Wahlberg posed together, their chemistry was undeniable. However, she sparked reactions from critics with more than just her provocative dress. “Low class hugging him dressed like that and hes married,” wrote one person. Another simply , “Oh no no NO!”
