“We really got to go to…”: Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg’s ‘The Union’ Breaks a Popular Hollywood Norm With One Rebellious Decision Related to its Filming
- 'The Union' stands out by filming on location across real-world cities.
- The film breaks tradition by skipping the usual on-screen kiss, too.
- This is how Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry’s film bucked Hollywood trends.
In an era where movies often rely on green screens and studio sets, Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg’s new film The Union stands out. Instead of filming in studios, this romantic action thriller chose real-world locations—making it feel fresh and real.
Netflix’s new romcom spy-thriller, The Union, tells the story of two high school sweethearts who have drifted apart: Mike McKenna, a hardworking construction worker played by Wahlberg, and Roxanne Hall, a secret agent played by Berry.
Real-World Filming Makes The Union More Authentic
By ditching the sets, The Union made filmmaking even more exciting. The cast and crew likely got to taste new foods, soak up different cultures, and enjoy the buzz of various cities.
All this travel probably made the film a lot more interesting—and hopefully more fun compared to typical Hollywood productions! Halle Berry, The Union’s star, is particularly enthused about the film’s decision to shoot on location. She told Variety:
We could be on a stage somewhere, just making it all up and pretending that we’re in Italy, that we’re in London or Croatia. But we really got to go to these places, and I think that adds to the authenticity of the filmmaking. It helps us as actors get in the right headspace. And then we get to have fun in the off time.
The actress felt that being in New Jersey, New York, London, and Slovenia gave her a real feel for the places. Experiencing these places made her acting more true to life. Unlike the fabricated worlds (often constructed within studio walls) these real-world settings gave a tangible backdrop.
Choosing to film on location is a daring choice. Soundstages give filmmakers a controlled space where they can create any setting they want, making it easier and cheaper. However, filming on location can also be a smart move because viewers today are all about keeping it real. They want movies that look and feel authentic. The Union nails this by giving a no-fuss, real-world vibe that’s hard to beat.
The Union Broke Another Hollywood Rule
Hollywood loves its classic on-screen romance with the obligatory passionate kiss. But Netflix’s new action-packed rom-com, The Union, is daring to break this mold. The film omitted the quintessential romantic climax: the kiss.
According to the director, Julian Farino, the crew talked a lot about whether they should include a kiss. In the end, they chose not to, so fans would be left wanting more. Both Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg were also on board with the idea. As the 58-year-old Berry told the same outlet:
Once they kiss, then it’s over. We’re hoping if we get to do a second one, we’ll let that chase continue. You want to see the journey — to see these two high school sweethearts find each other.
As The Union hits screens, it’s clear the film is more than a romantic thriller. It challenges Hollywood conventions in storytelling and production.
The Union is now streaming on Netflix!
