Zeros and Ones

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 19, 2021

Genre
Thriller, War, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Ethan Hawke as JJ / Justin
• Cristina Chiriac as Valeria
• Phil Neilson as Martin
• Valerio Mastandrea as Edward
• Mahmut Sifa Erkaya as Soldier

Director
Abel Ferrara

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Bad Lieutenant (1992)
• King of New York (1990)
• The Addiction (1995)

Producer
Diana Phillips, Philipp Kreuzer, Juan de Dios Larraín

Writer
Abel Ferrara

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Razor Film Produktion GmbH, Hammerstone Studios, Maze Pictures

Running Time
85 minutes

Languages
English, Italian

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Intense violence
• Dark and mature themes
• War-related imagery

Movie Story
“Zeros and Ones” is a dark, atmospheric thriller set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of chaos. The film follows JJ (Ethan Hawke), an American soldier stationed in Rome who is thrust into a tense, paranoid environment filled with uncertainty and danger. As the city is placed under military lockdown following a terrorist threat, JJ is on a mission to uncover the truth about a potential attack on the Vatican.

Complicating matters is JJ’s twin brother, Justin (also played by Ethan Hawke), who is an imprisoned revolutionary with potentially crucial information about the impending disaster. The film explores JJ’s internal and external struggles as he navigates a labyrinth of surveillance, suspicion, and moral ambiguity. JJ must decipher who to trust as he is caught between loyalty to his brother and his duty as a soldier.

Abel Ferrara, known for his gritty, uncompromising filmmaking style, infuses “Zeros and Ones” with a sense of existential dread and political commentary. The film is not a straightforward narrative but rather a fragmented, dreamlike exploration of modern warfare, surveillance, and the thin line between heroism and terrorism.

Special Effects
The film’s visual style is marked by gritty, handheld camera work and stark, shadowy lighting that creates a claustrophobic atmosphere. Special effects are minimal, with the emphasis placed on mood and tone rather than spectacle. The dark, oppressive cinematography reflects the psychological tension and paranoia that pervades the film.

Box Office Performance
“Zeros and Ones” had a limited release, primarily in art-house cinemas and on-demand platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its bold, experimental approach and Ethan Hawke’s dual performance, while others found it disjointed and difficult to follow. Its niche appeal limited its box office performance, but it sparked discussion among fans of Ferrara’s work.

Filming Locations

• Rome, Italy

Notable Quotes

• “In this world, the line between hero and villain is blurred.” – JJ
• “What is the truth worth when everyone’s lying?” – Justin

Behind-the-Scenes
Ethan Hawke’s dual role as both JJ and Justin allowed him to explore two contrasting characters, one a disciplined soldier and the other a radical revolutionary. The film was shot on location in Rome during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced its themes of isolation, fear, and the pervasive sense of a world in crisis.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
“Zeros and Ones” is an enigmatic, moody thriller that will appeal to fans of Abel Ferrara’s distinctive style. It’s a challenging film that doesn’t offer easy answers, instead presenting a fragmented narrative that reflects the complexities of modern conflict and surveillance. Ethan Hawke delivers a compelling performance in a dual role, but the film’s unconventional approach may not resonate with all audiences. For those who appreciate experimental cinema with a dark, philosophical edge, “Zeros and Ones” is a thought-provoking watch.

IMDb Rating
3.3/10