Worth

The curtain opens on Kenneth Feinberg (character), a renowned lawyer, as he presents his groundbreaking concept - assigning a monetary value to a person's life - to his Columbia University class. Fast-forward to a pivotal moment in history: the devastating September 11 attacks leave a trail of destruction and heartbreak. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, Feinberg is appointed Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, tasked with overseeing the disbursement of funds to the victims' families. His trusted law partner, Camille Biros, serves as his administrative deputy.

Feinberg's approach to the fund is marked by a strict adherence to a formula that calculates payouts based on the victim's income. However, he soon faces mounting pressure from the political administrations to ensure at least 80 percent of the estimated 7,000 victims sign on to the fund by December 22, 2003, or risk being left with no alternative but to file lawsuits, potentially leading to financial ruin for the airlines.

Feinberg's introduction to the affected families is marred by an initial perception that he is insensitive to their losses. The tension in the room is palpable until Charles Wolf (character), the grief-stricken husband of a victim, demands that everyone listen to Feinberg's explanation. Following this meeting, Feinberg is confronted by Frank Donato (character), the brother of a deceased New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter, Nick. Frank's anguish stems from his brother's heroic actions in re-entering the World Trade Center to search for him after communication warnings went unheeded, ultimately leading to his demise. Frank implores Feinberg to include this crucial information in the report to prevent similar tragedies in the future, but Feinberg deflects the demand with a lawyerly tone.

Furthermore, Wolf's outrage at the fund's seemingly callous formula sparks a protest movement, further complicating Feinberg's already daunting task. As he navigates these treacherous waters, Feinberg is forced to confront the human cost of his decisions and the weight of responsibility that comes with being the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

As Biros (character) leads the staff in intimate gatherings with victims of the attacks, a poignant encounter with Graham Morris (gay man) whose life partner was brutally taken from him leaves an indelible mark on his conscience. The tragic tale of Morris's loss is further complicated by the harsh reality that, due to the fund's rigid guidelines and the state's refusal to recognize civil partnerships, he is denied any compensation for his pain. Meanwhile, Feinberg navigates a labyrinthine web of lawyers representing upper-class victims of the attacks, each with their own agenda and demands for greater financial restitution. These high-stakes negotiations threaten to undermine the very fabric of the fund, as the months tick by and only a paltry number of applicants come forward.

As frustration mounts, Feinberg holds a private meeting with Wolf, during which his counterpart accuses him of prioritizing the interests of the Bush administration over those of the victims. Undeterred, Feinberg presses on, driven by an unwavering commitment to justice. A breakthrough arrives when a lawyer representing Donato's extra-marital partner contacts Feinberg, revealing that Donato has two daughters from this relationship who are eligible for compensation. Seizing this opportunity, Feinberg attempts to persuade Donato's widow to sign on, having previously refused.

As the months drag on and Feinberg's efforts yield diminishing returns, he begins to feel like Sisyphean taskmaster, toiling in vain against an insurmountable tide of bureaucratic red tape. It is only after a chance encounter with Wolf at the opera, where his friend recounts an inspiring anecdote about his late wife's encouragement to persevere in the face of adversity, that Feinberg's spirit is rekindled. Empowered by this renewed sense of purpose, he refocuses his energies on the task at hand: securing justice for those who have suffered at the hands of tragedy.

As Feinberg and Biros seize the opportunity presented by the government's discretion, their efforts unfold like a tapestry woven with threads of compassion and empathy. A shrine begins to take shape in Feinberg's office, its sacred space adorned with mementos bearing witness to the human cost of tragedy. The tangible expressions of grief and loss serve as a poignant reminder of the lives forever altered by the attacks. It is here, surrounded by these poignant tokens, that Feinberg forges a connection with the victims he seeks to help. His genuine concern for their well-being resonates deeply, ultimately convincing those who had been skeptical to place their trust in him. As the deadline draws near, an overwhelming majority of eligible recipients affix their signatures, ensuring the triumph of the project.

The weight of responsibility is palpable as Feinberg receives a poignant visit from the widow of Donato, her eyes red-rimmed with grief as she implores him to sign on behalf of her husband's children. Meanwhile, Biros' voice cracks with emotion as she shares the bittersweet news with Morris: while the fund was unable to provide compensation for his relationship due to their state's lack of recognition, it had been able to support numerous other gay couples whose unions were acknowledged by law.

As the credits roll, a title card presents a stark yet heartening reality: Feinberg and Biros successfully distributed billions in government funds to an astonishing 97 percent of eligible victims. Though their work is done on this particular case, it serves as a testament to their enduring commitment to helping those affected by tragedy, and their tireless efforts to bring justice and closure to all who have suffered.