9/11

9/11

Year: 2017

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Guigui

Echo Score: 32

Budget: $5.5M

ActionDrama

On a September morning, the lives of five strangers unexpectedly intersect within an elevator. Among them are a deliveryman marking his daughter's birthday, a wealthy businessman facing divorce, a maintenance worker, and a young Russian woman with a complicated relationship. When the first plane hits, the elevator becomes a trap, forcing these individuals to confront their personal struggles and work together to survive the escalating crisis and find a way to escape the unfolding disaster.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 9/11 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – 9/11 (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 9/11 (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

September 11, 2001, morning

The events take place in the early hours of September 11, 2001, climaxing with the Flight 11 crash that disables the elevator. The timeline tracks the group’s attempts to escape as emergency responses unfold, illustrating how seconds matter in a high-rise disaster. The moment is defined by sudden catastrophe and urgent decision-making.

Location

World Trade Center North Tower, Lower Manhattan, New York City, USA

The story unfolds inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan on the morning of September 11, 2001. The central setting is the tower's elevator shaft and the surrounding office floors, highlighting the claustrophobic space where the passengers are trapped. The city outside remains recognizable, while the building becomes a tense microcosm of crisis and rescue.

🌆 Downtown Manhattan 🏢 Skyscrapers 🗽 New York City

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Main Characters – 9/11 (2017)

Meet the key characters of 9/11 (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eve Cage (Gina Gershon)

Eve is Jeffrey's wife and one of the passengers trapped in the elevator. She stays composed in the crisis, navigates tense dynamics with other passengers, and helps steer the group toward practical escape steps. Her calm, determined presence anchors the evolving plan.

💪 resilience 🗺️ leadership 🗣️ calm

Michael (Wood Harris)

Michael is a bicycle courier and a father who verbally wishes his daughter a happy birthday before starting his route. In the elevator, he remains a steady, grounded voice, contributing to the group’s plan and keeping hope alive amid fear.

🧭 teamwork 🗨️ calm 🧠 focus

Jeffrey Cage (Charlie Sheen)

Jeffrey is Eve's estranged husband and a passenger in the elevator. He voices love for Eve and resolves to meet in the lobby, but the disaster leads to a tragic end as the elevator descends during the collapse.

💔 tragedy 🧭 regret 🗨️ tension

Eddie (Luis Guzmán)

Eddie is a maintenance man who uses his practical knowledge to aid the escape attempt. He helps unlock locking mechanisms and navigate through the confined space toward a possible exit.

🔧 practical 🧠 resourceful 🏃 determination

Tina (Olga Fonda)

Tina is a woman who came to break up with her wealthy lover and becomes part of the trapped group. She experiences fear and tension in the claustrophobic space while contributing to the group's survival through reaction and endurance.

💬 communication 🫂 resilience 🕊️ hope

Metzie (Whoopi Goldberg)

Metzie is the elevator dispatcher who communicates with the trapped passengers. She remains a calm, decisive voice, coordinating the improvised plan as the situation worsens and the tower collapses.

🗣️ leadership 🧭 guidance 🫶 support

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Major Themes – 9/11 (2017)

Explore the central themes of 9/11 (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Courage

Ordinary people summon resolve to face unimaginable danger. They improvise a plan to pry the elevator door and endure a terrifying descent. Bravery comes from steady, practical actions and from keeping hope alive despite the odds.

🗣️ Communication

Metzie uses the PA system to guide and coordinate the trapped passengers, turning a sealed cabin into a channel for information and leadership. Clear communication helps organize the group's improvised escape and sustains morale. The outside responders' messages blur the line between rescue and desperation.

🧭 Teamwork

People from different backgrounds unite under pressure, pooling skills to challenge the locked doors and broken cables. The group relies on cooperation—manual labor, problem-solving, and mutual support—to increase their chances of survival. The outcome hinges on trust and collective effort.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:55

Unlock the Full Story of 9/11

Don't stop at just watching — explore 9/11 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 9/11 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

9/11 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 9/11, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

9/11 Summary

9/11 Timeline

Track the full timeline of 9/11 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

9/11 Timeline

9/11 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 9/11 that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

9/11 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 9/11

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 9/11: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About 9/11

Similar Movies to 9/11

Discover movies like 9/11 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.