Worth – Netflix Movie Review by Brooke Daugherty : Pop Culture Leftovers

Worth – Netflix Movie Review by Brooke Daugherty

September 24, 2021 12:20 pm |

Every September for the last 19 years fills me with dread. Although I wasn’t in New York that day, I still cannot handle seeing all the movies, documentaries, and interviews about the attacks that occurred on the morning of the 11th. Worth was definitely worth my time.

Sara Colangelo directed this autobiographical film about Kenneth Feinberg and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Max Borenstein adapted the screenplay from Feinberg’s book What Is Life Worth?. The directing and cinematography gave the feel of The West Wing, with “walk and talks” and true performances even from the background actors. Those choices gave the film an authentic early 2000’s feel.

Michael Keaton portrays Feinberg, who is appointed the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. As always, Keaton’s performance is wonderful. He may not be a physical chameleon, but he makes you believe he is his character. Playing his business partner and Deputy Special Master Camille Biros, is Amy Ryan. She is one of those performers who falls right into her characters allowing you to forget her until you see her face on screen. She may not be the most recognizable name, but her Oscar and Tony nominations let you know she is a legitimate actor. Rounding out the core cast is Stanley Tucci portraying Charles Wolf who rallied many victims of 9/11 and/or their loved ones when the Victim Fund appeared to not be fair. I feel like I shouldn’t have to complement the tour de force that is Tucci. If you aren’t aware of his acting chops, don’t even bother.

A majority of the film takes place in the months after the attacks. We don’t see what happens to the victims, but we hear their stories and see the aftermath. Much to my surprise, I was more moved by this movie than I expected. Not to say I’m so jaded by these stories, but this time of year is saturated with flag waving, teary eyed, “let’s pretend racism doesn’t exist for a moment” type of content. I assumed I would just see the legal side of the Fund and maybe feel a little better about attorneys.

If you have Netflix, carve out some time to watch Worth. If you are lucky enough to be near one of the limited theaters showing this and you can safely see it, do so when you can. The performances, screenplay, and directing make it a Tupperware for me.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH