Worth (2021)
A gripping true story about one lawyer's mission to assign value to human lives in the wake of September 11.
Worth - Movie Information
- Original Title: Worth
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Sara Colangelo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 21, 2021 (South Korea - 12), September 10, 2021 (Spain - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Worth - Was ist ein Leben wert? (DE), What Is Life Worth (US), Сколько стоит жизнь. [What Is Life Worth (2020)] (RU), 911算命律师 (HK)
- Production Companies: MadRiver Pictures, Anonymous Content, Royal Viking Entertainment, Ingenious Media, Higher Ground, Paradise City Films, Riverstone Pictures, Wiffle Films, West Madison Entertainment
- Production Countries: Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America
Worth - Plot
Kenneth Feinberg, a powerful D.C. lawyer appointed Special Master of the 9/11 Fund, fights off the cynicism, bureaucracy, and politics associated with administering government funds and, in doing so, discovers what life is worth.
Worth - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the emotional weight of this true story unfold.
Our national tragedy. Their personal suffering. His impossible task.
Where to Watch Worth
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Worth - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sara Colangelo
Main Cast
- Michael Keaton
- Amy Ryan
- Stanley Tucci
- Tate Donovan
- Shunori Ramanathan
- Talia Balsam
- Laura Benanti
- Chris Tardio
- Ato Blankson-Wood
- Carolyn Mignini
Writers
- Max Borenstein
Producers
- Marc Butan
- Sean Sorensen
- Brad Dorros
- Anthony Katagas
- Max Borenstein
Worth - FAQs
Is Worth based on a true story?
Yes, Worth is based on real events. It tells the story of attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who was appointed Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The screenplay draws from Feinberg's own memoir, What Is Life Worth?, which chronicles his experience navigating the emotional and legal complexities of the fund.
Where can you stream Worth?
You can stream Worth on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It's a great pick for an evening when you're in the mood for a thoughtful, character-driven drama rooted in one of the most significant moments in modern American history.
What is Worth about?
Worth follows Kenneth Feinberg, a Washington D.C. attorney appointed to oversee the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Tasked with assigning monetary value to human lives, he must confront grief, bureaucracy, and moral complexity — ultimately grappling with the profound question of what a life is truly worth.
How does Worth handle the 9/11 victims' stories?
Rather than focusing on the attacks themselves, Worth centers on the aftermath — the families left behind and their fight for recognition. Characters like Charles Wolf, played by Stanley Tucci, challenge Feinberg's cold actuarial approach, pushing the film into deeply human territory about grief, dignity, and what justice actually looks like.
Who are the main actors in Worth?
Michael Keaton leads the cast as Kenneth Feinberg, with Amy Ryan as his dedicated colleague Camille Biros and Stanley Tucci delivering a standout performance as grieving widower Charles Wolf. The ensemble also includes Tate Donovan, Laura Benanti, Shunori Ramanathan, Talia Balsam, and Ato Blankson-Wood.
What is the age rating for Worth?
Worth is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature themes surrounding the September 11 attacks, grief, and legal proceedings, though it handles these subjects with restraint. It's generally suitable for teenagers and older viewers who can engage with its emotional weight.
What does Stanley Tucci's character represent in Worth?
Stanley Tucci plays Charles Wolf, a real-life 9/11 widower who became a vocal critic of the Victim Compensation Fund's impersonal formula. His character serves as the moral counterweight to Feinberg's legalistic mindset, embodying the human cost behind the numbers and forcing a reckoning with empathy over efficiency.
How long is Worth?
Worth runs for 1 hour and 58 minutes. It's a focused, dialogue-driven drama that uses its runtime well, building tension through courtroom-style negotiations and intimate personal encounters rather than action sequences. Most viewers find the pacing deliberate but rewarding.
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