Worth

Worth

Year: 2021

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Sara Colangelo

BiographyDramaHistory

Following the 9/11 attacks, attorney Kenneth Feinberg is appointed to fairly distribute compensation funds to the victim’s families. He works alongside mediator Camille Biros, facing difficult ethical choices as he tries to balance legal processes with the immense grief of those affected. A poignant meeting with Charles Wolf, whose family suffered a terrible loss, profoundly impacts Feinberg, forcing him to deeply consider the emotional consequences of the tragedy and his role in helping the families heal.

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Timeline – Worth (2021)

Trace every key event in Worth (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kenneth Feinberg's Lecture

The film opens with Kenneth Feinberg engaging his class at Columbia University. He offers a thought-provoking perspective on how the legal system evaluates a person's life, establishing the foundation for his subsequent actions after a national tragedy.

Columbia University
2

September 11 Attacks

The events of September 11 shock the nation, leading to immense loss and grief. This tragedy sets the stage for Feinberg's pivotal role in addressing the needs of the victims' families and the nation as a whole.

September 11, 2001 United States
3

Feinberg's Appointment

Following the attacks, Feinberg is appointed as the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. This role tasks him with the difficult responsibility of managing compensation for the victims' families amidst great public scrutiny.

4

Meeting the Victims

Feinberg's first meeting with the victims is fraught with tension and hostility. His attempt to explain the fund's regulations is met with anger, but Charles Wolf steps forward to urge the crowd to listen to him, showcasing the struggles Feinberg faces.

5

Frank Donato's Plea

In a poignant moment, Frank Donato, brother of a firefighter who died in the attacks, passionately implores Feinberg to consider his brother's story. This highlights the emotional weight of the victims' experiences and the challenges of quantifying their losses within the compensation framework.

6

Graham Morris's Challenge

Camille Biros becomes emotionally involved with Graham Morris, a gay man whose partner died in the attacks. Due to Virginia’s laws, Morris finds himself ineligible for compensation, illustrating the discriminatory obstacles that persist even in tragedy.

Virginia
7

Demand for Higher Payouts

Pressure mounts as wealthy families of the victims demand larger compensation payouts from the fund. This tension threatens the stability of Feinberg's initiative and complicates the effort to provide equitable support for all victims.

8

Feinberg's Encounter at the Opera

After an illuminating discussion with Charles Wolf at the opera, Feinberg is inspired by Wolf's resilience. This encounter revitalizes Feinberg's commitment to compassionately understanding and supporting the victims' families.

Opera House
9

Reassessing Fund Criteria

With renewed determination, Feinberg and Biros decide to re-evaluate the criteria for compensation. They seek to broaden eligibility, thereby allowing more victims to receive the aid they desperately need, demonstrating their commitment to justice.

10

Creation of the Shrine

As Feinberg connects more deeply with the victims, he sets up a shrine in his office using tokens and mementos from applicants. This act symbolizes the profound impact their stories have on him and serves as a reminder of the human element in his work.

Feinberg's Office
11

Wolf's Support

Charles Wolf plays a crucial role in rallying other victims to trust Feinberg. Witnessing Feinberg's genuine empathy helps bridge the gap between the victims and those managing the fund, fostering collaboration towards a common goal.

12

Success of the Fund

As the deadline approaches, a significant number of eligible families decide to apply for compensation. Feinberg's efforts culminate in a remarkable success story, showcasing the effectiveness of their approach to the victims' needs.

By December 22, 2003
13

Emotional News for Morris

Camille Biros delivers emotional news to Graham Morris regarding the fund's support for same-sex couples. Despite his own heartbreaking circumstances, Morris learns that his community will not be neglected in the compensation effort.

14

Conclusion

The film culminates with a poignant title card, revealing that Feinberg and Biros distributed billions in government aid to 97 percent of eligible victims. Their ongoing commitment to assist others affected by similar tragedies reinforces the film's message of resilience and compassion.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:21

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Worth Summary

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Worth Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Worth

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Worth

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Worth Ending Explained

More About Worth

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