Answers to Nothing 2011

Against the harrowing backdrop of a child abduction case, this film delves into five intense days in the lives of various individuals living in Los Angeles. At the center is Kate, played by Elizabeth Mitchell, a dedicated lawyer embroiled in a custody struggle on behalf of Drew, portrayed by Miranda Bailey, who selflessly cares for her severely disabled brother. Once a celebrated marathon runner, he experienced a life-altering accident after a night of celebration following his admirable finish in the San Francisco marathon. While their parents insist on placing him in a care facility, Drew’s overwhelming guilt drives her to care for him and pursue a marathon of her own, pushing her brother in his wheelchair. After losing custody, despair overtakes her, leading to a night of whiskey just before the race. During the marathon, memories of the past flood her mind, culminating in a crash that dislocates her shoulder. Nevertheless, she gathers her strength to cross the finish line, undeterred by the absence of fellow competitors.

Simultaneously, Kate is facing her own struggles, particularly with her husband Ryan, portrayed by Dane Cook, who is a psychologist grappling with infertility issues. Comp complicating matters is Ryan’s clandestine affair with a singer named Tara, played by Aja Volkman. As Ryan tries to reconcile with his mother, portrayed by Barbara Hershey, who harbors false hopes that his father will return from France after nearly a decade, he finds himself torn between desire and loyalty. On Tara’s birthday, he faces a humiliation of climaxing and, while at a fertility clinic, Kate accidentally discovers an intimate text message meant for Tara on Ryan’s phone just before anesthesia takes effect. In a seemingly desperate bid to conceive, Ryan calls Tara for help with his sperm sample submission, only to later question everything about his choices as he sits parked outside her performance venue, contemplating a return home to Kate, who has recently found out about the unsuccessful IVF treatment. Relief washes over her as Ryan finally decides to return.

In another narrative thread, we meet Allegra, played by Kali Hawk, a young African-American TV writer who struggles with her own identity issues. During a date with a young man from her neighborhood, she shockingly admits to hating black people. Ryan attempts to guide her toward self-understanding by encouraging her to engage positively with those she finds challenging.

The film also brings us the character Frankie Graylin, played by Julie Benz, the lead detective on the abduction case, who balances her responsibilities as a single mother and Kate’s best friend. Initially, she suspects Mr. Beckworth, portrayed by Greg Germann, the neighbor of the abducted girl, but as further evidence mounts—such as questionable material discovered on the father’s computer—suspicions begin to shift.

With the media frenzy surrounding the case, we encounter Carter, played by Mark Kelly, a lonely school teacher and avid gamer who finds himself increasingly unable to escape reality as the case unfolds. Eventually, his desperation leads him to confront his neighbor, Jerry, played by Erik Palladino, as suspicion grows around the girl’s disappearance. When Jerry advises against taking matters into his own hands, Carter is determined to confront the suspect. The situation escalates dramatically as Carter tries to gain access to Beckworth’s home, culminating in a violent confrontation where Jerry is shot while attempting to protect Carter. During Jerry’s final moments, he warns Carter to escape before revealing a hidden trapdoor.

In a chilling conclusion, Carter watches news coverage back at home, discovering that Beckworth had, in fact, concealed the girl alive within a soundproof room deep in his basement. Thus, the film weaves a complex tapestry of themes surrounding loss, guilt, and the search for redemption, leaving viewers with poignant reflections on the fragility of life.