Worth

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.