Parts Per Billion

A wealthy, music-loving wife who grows increasingly anxious about the fragility of her comfortable life. She clings to closeness with Erik as global turmoil intensifies, revealing a deeper fear of losing what she has built. Her pregnancy memories and intimate moments contrast with the external storm, highlighting vulnerability beneath privilege.

A struggling musician in a world of family money, more focused on crafting his art and his social circle than on domestic life. He resists his grandfather’s pressure to accumulate wealth, a choice that strains family ties. Erik’s idealism clashes with practical realities as danger looms.

A depressed and unemployed writer whose sense of purpose has withered, his marriage to Mia sits at a similar edge of fragility. He confesses his disconnection to his sister Sarah, revealing a longing for direction and meaning. Len’s personal crisis mirrors the larger world’s instability.

A capable lawyer balancing a demanding career with a strained marriage. Mia’s recent victory for a scientist accused of misdeeds places her at the center of ethical and personal conflicts. She wrestles with protecting her relationship while managing professional success under pressure.

Len’s sister, a nurse whose practical care underpins the family. She embodies nursing compassion amid chaos and becomes a conduit for family support as the crisis escalates. Her perspective anchors the human cost of the broader calamity.

Erik’s grandfather, a realist who anchors the family’s practical concerns. He pushes for more wealth as a safety net, yet he recognizes ethical gray areas in their history. His perspective contrasts with youthful idealism and underscores the tension between security and moral responsibility.

Andy’s wife, a hopeful presence who believes in a future beyond immediate danger. She navigates memory, loss, and the belief that love can endure when resources run scarce. Esther’s optimism acts as a counterweight to bleak external realities.

A determined survivalist trying to secure a survival kit and protection in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. His urgency and misfortune when funds fail him illustrate the scramble for basic safety. Rick embodies the desperation that accompanies scarcity.