Naked Singularity 2021

In New York City, we meet Casi, a 26-year-old public defender who has been struggling since graduating from law school three years ago. As he poignantly remarks in his narration, there is a significant shortage of legal aid, leaving countless individuals without proper support when they need it the most.

Twelve days before a catastrophic event, Casi’s first case revolves around Ah-Chut, a client who speaks no English and lacks any translator. Faced with the stringent Judge Cymberline and an uphill battle, Casi is unable to secure Ah-Chut’s release. Meanwhile, Craig visits the Tow Pound, seeking to retrieve his friend’s car, a Lincoln Navigator set for auction. Despite his attempts to charm Lea with money and flirtation, he ultimately fails to gain her assistance.

As the story unfolds, Casi finds himself in need of shelter and seeks refuge with Angus, a man consumed by conspiracy theories and enigmatic equations scribbled on his blackboard. During subsequent visits, Angus elaborates on the notion of singularity within black holes, further showcasing the stark contrast in their worldviews.

In a poignant twist, Lea discovers Craig using her computer at home and swiftly expels him from her space. Ten days prior to the impending collapse, Casi overhears two assistant district attorneys joking about a Chinese prisoner, which irks him, prompting an inquiry that goes unanswered as they depart. He then confers with Dane, another public defender, who reveals that Lea wants Casi to manage her case.

Through a flashback, we learn of Lea’s troubled past as she recounts a moment from her job where she stumbled upon drugs hidden in the very vehicle that Craig is investigating. As they work together with detectives, Casi provides counsel to another defendant whose newfound sobriety puts him at greater risk of prison time. In a moment of levity, Casi jokes that Cuba might be the ideal getaway, but this humor backfires when Judge Cymberline reprimands him for providing outdated medical reports during the hearing.

The tension escalates as Casi and Dane engage in a friendly martial arts-style scuffle while discussing their dilemmas. Lea continues to have precarious meetings with Craig, who is entangled in a dangerous scheme to procure drugs that could yield him millions. One of these meetings grows menacing when Craig introduces a hulking accomplice and drives Lea to a site where a frozen body is discovered.

As the days dwindle, Casi grapples with his dire circumstances and potential professional fallout. He faces suspension or even disbarment, leaving him feeling trapped. His relationship with Lea deepens when they share a subway ride during a city blackout, leading to an intimate moment at her apartment where they share their personal traumas, including Casi’s painful story of an abusive mother deported to Colombia.

On the brink of disaster, Casi’s world significantly shifts when he crosses paths with Craig, who menacingly steals his wallet and issues threats regarding Lea. Amidst this chaos, a sudden power restoration reveals the distressing state of both of Casi’s earlier clients, trapped in separate jail cells.

On the fateful day of the collapse, Casi and Dane devise a plan with Lea’s help, arming themselves with a decorative sword and tear gas. The auction for the Navigator unfolds chaotically, with Craig outbid by a man connected to the drug trade. However, detectives manage to apprehend this rival bidder. As Lea, Craig, and his henchman attempt to flee in a separate vehicle, Casi and Dane infiltrate an illicit deal masquerading as Hasidic Jews, and an explosive altercation ensues.

Ultimately, in a climax of heroism, Casi and Dane rescue Lea from Craig’s clutches. In a metaphorical closing shot, the story presents the turning off of an old television, signifying the end of an era. On the waterfront, the three protagonists briefly celebrate their shared spoils, though soon they part ways with a bittersweet sense of hope and uncertainty. Casi, now the sole lawyer of a fledgling firm, faces Judge Cymberline yet again, this time with a fervent intent to sue, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.