Worth (film)

Worth

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2020 (2020)
Founder	Max Borenstein (screenplay), Sara Colangelo (director)
Headquarters	United States
Products	Biographical drama film

Worth is a 2020 American biographical film co-produced and penned by Max Borenstein and directed by Sara Colangelo. Adapted from attorney Kenneth Feinberg's memoir, the narrative centers on his role overseeing the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The cast features Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Amy Ryan, Tate Donovan, Talia Balsam, and Laura Benanti. After debuting at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2020, the distribution rights were obtained by Netflix and Higher Ground Productions. The movie received a limited release in U.S. theaters on August 27, 2021, before becoming available for streaming on Netflix starting September 3.

Plot

The story opens with Feinberg delivering a lecture at Columbia University about the legal framework for assigning monetary value to human life. Following the September 11 attacks, he is appointed as Special Master of the Victim Compensation Fund, with Camille Biros serving as his deputy. He formulates a compensation model based on victims' earnings, charged with achieving at least an 80% acceptance rate from approximately 7,000 claimants by December 22, 2003. This threshold is critical to prevent expensive litigation that could jeopardize the airline industry.

During an early gathering, Feinberg’s compensation formula is criticized as lacking empathy until Charles Wolf, a widower of one of the victims, urges the group to consider it carefully. Frank Donato, whose firefighter brother perished after re-entering the tower, insists that communication failures be acknowledged in official findings; Feinberg sidesteps this demand. Wolf spearheads protests challenging what he views as the fund’s insensitivity.

Biros conducts meetings with victims and becomes deeply affected by Graham Morris’s experience; Morris’s partner is excluded from compensation due to Virginia's refusal to recognize civil unions. Attorneys representing wealthier claimants push for increased settlements, threatening solidarity among victims. With participation rates low, Feinberg holds a private discussion with Wolf amid accusations that he favors the Bush administration’s interests.

A legal advisor informs Feinberg that Donato’s children born outside marriage are eligible for compensation, prompting efforts to convince Donato’s widow to file claims. As enrollment remains below expectations, Wolf encourages Feinberg to continue his efforts. Feinberg and Biros broaden eligibility criteria within governmental limits to include more claimants. Feinberg builds rapport with applicants personally, gaining trust among victims led by Wolf.

By the cutoff date, the majority of eligible individuals have signed up, ensuring the fund’s viability. Donato’s widow consents to file claims on behalf of her children. Biros explains to Morris that state laws prevent his inclusion but shares that many same-sex couples from more supportive states received assistance. The film closes by noting billions were disbursed to 97% of qualified recipients and that Feinberg and Biros continue similar advocacy work.

Production

Initially announced during the 2018 Berlin Film Festival, the project was originally set to be directed by David Frankel with a screenplay authored by Max Borenstein, whose script appeared on the 2008 Black List. Michael Keaton was confirmed to portray Kenneth Feinberg. Sales negotiations took place at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. In February 2019, Sara Colangelo replaced Frankel as director while Stanley Tucci joined the cast. Additional casting announcements included Shunori Ramanathan and Victor Slezak in March, followed by additions of Laura Benanti, Amy Ryan, Talia Balsam, and Tate Donovan in April 2019.

Filming

The main photography phase began in April 2019.

Release

The movie debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2020. In February 2021, distribution rights were secured by Netflix and Higher Ground Productions. It became available both through a limited theatrical release and on Netflix starting September 3, 2021.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, a majority of critics gave positive reviews, with an average score reflecting favorable opinions. The critical consensus notes that while the film may not be as intense as anticipated, Worth delivers a compelling and intricately crafted portrayal of true events. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 67 out of 100 based on 25 critic assessments, indicating generally favorable feedback.