Worth

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 24, 2020 (Sundance Film Festival)
September 3, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Biography, Drama, History

Cast & Crew

• Michael Keaton as Kenneth Feinberg
• Stanley Tucci as Charles Wolf
• Amy Ryan as Camille Biros
• Tate Donovan as Lee Quinn
• Shunori Ramanathan as Priya Khundi
• Laura Benanti as Karen Donato
• Talia Balsam as Diane Shaff

Director
Sara Colangelo

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)
• Little Accidents (2014)

Producer

• Marc Butan
• Anthony Katagas
• Max Borenstein
• Michael Sugar

Writer

• Max Borenstein

Budget
Estimated $10 million

Production Company

• Higher Ground Productions
• Sugar23
• Anonymous Content

Running Time
118 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Themes of grief and trauma
• Emotional content
• Some strong language

Movie Story
“Worth” is a powerful biographical drama based on the true story of Kenneth Feinberg (Michael Keaton), a lawyer tasked with an almost impossible challenge: determining the monetary worth of the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The film chronicles Feinberg’s journey as the head of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was established by Congress to help the families of the victims while protecting airlines from financial ruin.

The film begins with Feinberg, a seasoned lawyer known for his expertise in calculating the value of human life in legal settlements, being appointed as the Special Master of the fund. Initially, Feinberg approaches the task with his usual clinical detachment, relying on formulas and numbers to determine the compensation each family should receive. However, as he and his colleague Camille Biros (Amy Ryan) meet with the families of the victims, they are confronted with the personal stories of loss, grief, and anger.

One of the most impactful encounters is with Charles Wolf (Stanley Tucci), a community organizer who lost his wife in the attacks. Wolf becomes a vocal critic of the fund, challenging Feinberg’s approach and urging him to see the human side of the tragedy rather than just the numbers. Through his interactions with Wolf and other grieving families, Feinberg undergoes a transformation, realizing that his task is not just about money, but about acknowledging the value of each individual life and the emotional impact on those left behind.

“Worth” is a deeply moving exploration of ethics, justice, and the human cost of tragedy. The film delves into the complexities of putting a monetary value on life and the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with such a responsibility. Michael Keaton delivers a compelling performance as Feinberg, portraying the character’s journey from detached lawyer to a man profoundly affected by the stories of the victims’ families.

Special Effects
“Worth” is a character-driven drama that focuses on dialogue and performance rather than special effects. The film’s visual style is straightforward, emphasizing the somber tone and the weight of the subject matter. The use of real news footage and the recreation of the aftermath of 9/11 adds to the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.

Box Office Performance
“Worth” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and was later released on Netflix in 2021, reaching a wide audience through the streaming platform. The film received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its performances and its sensitive handling of a difficult and emotional subject. While it did not have a traditional box office run, its release on Netflix allowed it to gain significant attention and praise for its timely and poignant exploration of the aftermath of 9/11.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA
• Washington, D.C., USA

Notable Quotes

• “It’s not just a number. It’s the value of life.” – Kenneth Feinberg
• “You can’t calculate the value of a life by a formula.” – Charles Wolf
• “We’re not just lawyers, we’re human beings.” – Camille Biros

Behind-the-Scenes
“Worth” was produced by Higher Ground Productions, the production company founded by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, which focuses on telling stories that highlight social issues and human experiences. Director Sara Colangelo approached the film with a focus on the emotional and ethical challenges faced by Kenneth Feinberg and his team, working closely with the cast to ensure that the portrayal of the victims’ families was both respectful and authentic. The screenplay by Max Borenstein was based on Feinberg’s memoir, “What Is Life Worth?”

Awards

• Nominated for Best Actor (Michael Keaton) at the 2021 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards
• Nominated for Best Screenplay at the 2020 Venice Film Festival

Final Verdict
“Worth” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that offers a compelling look at the human cost of tragedy and the ethical complexities of determining the value of life. With strong performances from Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, and Amy Ryan, the film provides a nuanced exploration of grief, justice, and the moral dilemmas faced in the aftermath of 9/11. It is a powerful and timely drama that encourages viewers to reflect on the meaning of life and the challenges of balancing compassion with practicality.

IMDb Rating
6.8/10