Day Zero 2008

In a speculative future, the lives of three close friends are forever altered when they receive simultaneous draft notices for a renewed military call to action in the Mid-east. This narrative explores their deep anguish and soul-searching as they grapple with the decision to either evade or accept their fate. Dixon, a New York City cab driver played by Jon Bernthal, initially expresses enthusiasm at their hangout bar, where the trio convenes to dissect their new reality.

In the mix is Aaron Feller, portrayed by Elijah Wood, who appears conflicted about military life; despite his reservations, he seems willing to follow Dixon’s lead into the unknown. On the other hand, George, played by Chris Klein, firmly declares that he will not join the military, highlighting the gravity of his situation. Recently promoted to junior partner at his corporate law firm, George has made a promise to his wife Molly, brought to life by Ginnifer Goodwin, a brave cancer survivor, that he will remain by her side.

As the story unfolds, Dixon finds himself with a new romantic interest, a social worker named Patricia, depicted by Elizabeth Moss. Throughout their experiences, he comes to each of his friends’ aid, as he has since their school days, even resorting to physical confrontations, including decking George at a going-away party sparked by a heated debate about military policy.

Meanwhile, Aaron struggles with feelings of inadequacy and takes drastic measures to summon his courage, compiling a challenging 10-item to-do list that drives him toward increasingly reckless actions. George’s despair leads him to drunkenly wield a meat cleaver in a desperate attempt to injure himself to dodge the draft, even finding trouble in a gay bar. Ultimately, with intervention from his wealthy father and a connection to a powerful U.S. senator, George appears to resign himself to temporarily leaving behind his wife and law career.

As Aaron checks off tasks from his to-do list, including failed attempts to mend familial bonds and find solace, his descent deepens. After completing the first nine items without success, and following a drastic change in his appearance, he chooses to leap from the top of a building, leaving a haunting void.

The next day, at Penn Station, Dixon awaits his friends, intent on their shared induction journey. Ultimately, the story concludes ambiguously as only George arrives, leaving their reunion hanging in the air without a word exchanged, emphasizing the weight of their shared struggle and uncertain futures.