Zero Charisma 2013

In the life of Scott Weidemeyer (Sam Eidson), a gruff delivery driver ensnared in a cycle of dissatisfaction, his only refuge emerges during his weekly tabletop game nights. These evenings are meticulously organized by Scott, who reigns over his gaming realm with an iron grip. Among his circle of friends is Wayne (Brock England), Scott’s most trustworthy accomplice, who has adapted to this peculiar ritual of camaraderie. However, when a player suddenly leaves the game to focus on mending his marriage, Scott finds himself grappling with the challenge of finding a worthy substitute.

As Scott ventures through the tumultuous terrain of game night replacements, he encounters Miles (Garrett Graham), a laid-back hipster who epitomizes coolness. Despite his initial hesitations, Miles quickly integrates into the group, winning over Scott’s friends with his amiable and accepting nature. Yet, Scott remains defensive, his jealousy regarding Miles’ enviable lifestyle—boasting a beautiful girlfriend and a successful popular culture website—brewing beneath the surface.

The delicate balance is thrown into chaos when Scott’s grandmother, Wanda (Anne Gee Byrd), suffers a stroke, triggering an unwelcome visit from his mother, Barbara (Cyndi Williams), along with her latest partner, Bob (Larry Jack Dotson). Scott’s bitterness towards Barbara is palpable, stemming from the deep-seated resentment of her abandonment during his childhood when she chose to chase a life in a commune.

As the next game night looms closer, Scott’s pent-up insecurities and frustrations simmer dangerously beneath the surface. His attempts to assert his authority are thwarted when Barbara disrupts the gathering, humiliating Scott in front of his friends and forcing an early conclusion to the evening. This leads the group to choose Miles’ home for their next game night, further stoking Scott’s irritations.

Desperate to reclaim his dominance, Scott boasts of having been the author of The Matrix in junior high, a claim that Miles swiftly dismantles. As tensions escalate, Scott loses control, culminating in a dramatic meltdown as he seeks to cheat during the game. Yet, his friends, no longer willing to indulge his whims, opt to continue their play with Miles, leaving Scott simmering with anger and resentment.

Upon returning to his grandmother’s humble home, Scott receives heartbreaking news—his mother plans to sell Wanda’s cherished residence to satisfy her growing debts. After much persuasion, Wanda is convinced to part with her home in exchange for a comfortable retirement in Arizona. However, Scott’s fury intensifies when he realizes that he will not inherit the property as promised. In a fit of rage, he lashes out at Wanda, forcing her to stand her ground against his disrespect.

Yearning for reassurance, Scott visits the local gaming shop where his idol, Greg Goran (Dakin Matthews), is appearing. Humble yet hopeful, he requests his old job back from Pete ([John Gholson]), the assistant manager. However, the encounter spirals when Scott seeks Greg’s advice on navigating the complexities of role-playing. The wise words of the seasoned gamer—that the game master’s primary role is to prioritize the players’ enjoyment—only serve to further infuriate Scott. In a rage, he berates Greg, insults Pete, and dismisses the store before storming out.

As he battles with his self-pity, Scott misdirects his frustrations towards Miles, blaming him for all his current misfortunes. Intoxicated, he crashes a party hosted by Miles, where he shares outrageous anecdotes with friends and engages in nonsensical, crutch-based sword fights. Despite Miles’ initial hesitance, the two ultimately clash, ending with Scott suffering a gut punch from his friend.

In the aftermath, Wayne, feeling hurt and upset by being left out of the party, intervenes for Scott, leading to an unexpected scuffle where Wayne attacks Miles, only for Miles to retaliate. The two are soon sent packing. During the car ride home, Wayne confesses that he belittled Scott because he needed someone to feel inferior to himself.

Fast forward a few months, and Scott has landed a job at the Arizona retirement community where his grandmother now lives. He shares living arrangements with Bob and Barbara, whose relationship is on shaky ground. Despite this, Scott has transformed—he’s visibly happier, takes on more responsibilities, and now enjoys playing games with a group of senior citizens. In those closing moments of the film, we catch a glimpse of Scott’s newfound positivity, though it remains evident that his competitive spirit is very much alive.