$9.99

Year: 2009

Runtime: 78 min

Language: English

Director: Tatia Rosenthal

DramaAnimation

Dave Peck, a 28-year-old man adrift and searching for purpose, finds himself unexpectedly drawn into the lives of a diverse group of people. Each character is grappling with their own struggles, seeking meaning and hope in a world that often feels confusing and isolating. Their interconnected stories explore themes of identity, connection, and the search for belonging in a modern, uncertain landscape.

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$9.99 (2009) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of $9.99 (2009), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

$9.99 is an engaging and thought-provoking animated feature film that delves into some of life’s most intriguing questions, particularly the meaning of existence. Have you ever pondered What is the meaning of life? and Why do we exist? If so, the answers you seek may be closer than you think! Within the story, a compelling advertisement proclaims that for just $9.99, you can discover your purpose through a small yet incredible booklet filled with profound insights presented in easy-to-understand terms. This booklet, featuring stunning color illustrations on high-quality paper, promises to unveil your reason for being.

The narrative centers around Dave Peck, an unemployed 28-year-old who still resides with his parents. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by this ad. As Dave strives to share his newfound revelation with others, he embarks on a surreal journey that intertwines with a cast of peculiar neighbors. Among them is an elderly man and his disgruntled guardian angel, a magician burdened by debt, a captivating woman who prefers her romantic partners to be extra smooth, a heartbroken individual who forms an unlikely friendship with a group of party-loving, two-inch-tall students, and a young boy eager to liberate his piggy bank.

The lives of these characters are intricately woven together, creating an exploration of the post-modern meaning of hope. Through its charming stop-motion puppet animation, $9.99 is inspired by the short stories of acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret, a prominent figure in contemporary literature. The film is crafted by Etgar Keret himself alongside director Tatia Rosenthal, who previously collaborated with Keret on two award-winning short animation films: “Crazy Glue” and “A Buck’s Worth.”

This lighthearted yet deeply resonant film brings Keret’s surreal narratives to life, enhanced by the voices of talented actors such as Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia. By combining humor with existential questions, $9.99 offers a unique perspective on life’s deeper themes—truly providing its viewers with an experience that is both entertaining and reflective.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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Quirky Existential Dramas like $9.99

Offbeat stories exploring life's big questions through unusual characters.Discover movies like $9.99 that blend surreal whimsy with thoughtful explorations of life's purpose. These films feature melancholic yet quirky characters on existential journeys, perfect if you enjoyed the offbeat animation and reflective mood of $9.99.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives often follow an ensemble of interconnected characters, each grappling with their own personal isolation and search for purpose. The plot is less about dramatic events and more about the internal, philosophical struggles of individuals, usually concluding with ambiguous or open-ended resolutions that mirror life's uncertainties.

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These films are grouped together for their unique combination of a whimsical, sometimes surreal, tone with deeply existential themes. They share a specific emotional mix of melancholy and gentle humor, a steady, character-focused pace, and a focus on the quiet, introspective moments of life.

Movies about Interconnected Urban Loneliness like $9.99

Stories of lonely city dwellers whose lives subtly intertwine.If you liked the portrayal of interconnected lives and urban loneliness in $9.99, explore these similar stories. They capture the feeling of individuals searching for belonging in a modern landscape, weaving together separate narratives into a cohesive, melancholic whole.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative structure is typically episodic yet interwoven, following several protagonists who may not directly interact but whose experiences thematically echo one another. The central conflict is often internal—a struggle against alienation—with the city itself acting as a silent character. The resolution tends to be bittersweet or ambiguous, suggesting connection is possible but fragile.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific mood of reflective melancholy and a thematic focus on isolation within a community. They are united by a steady pacing that allows for character depth, a medium emotional weight that feels authentic, and a narrative pattern that finds poetry in the mundane struggles of city life.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in $9.99

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$9.99 Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About $9.99

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