White Noise 2022

In 1984, Jack Gladney (Adam Driver), a professor specializing in a unique subject he created—“Hitler studies”—teaches at the College-on-the-Hill in Ohio. Despite his expertise, he finds himself struggling with the German language and discreetly takes basic lessons to prepare for an upcoming conference speech.

Jack shares his life with his fourth wife, Babette (Greta Gerwig), as they navigate the complexities of a blended family that includes Heinrich (Sam Nivola) and Steffie ([May Nivola]), his children from previous marriages, along with Denise (Raffey Cassidy), from Babette’s earlier relationship, and baby Wilder (portrayed by Henry and Dean Moore), their joint child. Although they lead what seems to be an ordinary life, Babette harbors concerns about the future, especially regarding how their children will cope once they grow up and move out.

Intriguingly, Denise becomes suspicious when she discovers Babette’s hidden stash of a mysterious drug called Dylar, which raises concerns since it doesn’t appear in standard prescription records. Meanwhile, Jack starts having unsettling dreams about an enigmatic figure attempting to kill him, echoing a previous conversation with Babette about their shared anxiety surrounding mortality. His colleague, Murray Siskind (Don Cheadle), a professor passionate about American culture, wishes to carve out his niche with “Elvis studies” and persuades Jack to join him in promoting their respective courses, leading to spirited debates about the parallels between Elvis and Hitler’s childhood experiences.

As Babette’s memory begins to falter, Denise reveals her concerns to Jack, highlighting that the drugs might be a factor. However, everything spirals when a catastrophic train accident releases a cloud of toxic chemicals over their town. Initially dismissive of any danger, Jack attempts to reassure his family that they will be safe from this so-called Airborne Toxic Event, which turns into widespread evacuation as the toxic cloud approaches. Caught in gridlock while trying to leave, they find their vehicle low on fuel and become increasingly desperate.

During the chaos, while seeking gas, Jack inadvertently exposes himself to the toxic cloud. Soon, their family is confined in a summer camp, where Denise tells Jack of his exposure. This leads to a grim realization that while they are currently safe, potential health impacts from the chemical exposure may not surface for decades. With escalating panic at the camp as families attempt to escape, the Gladneys find themselves in a precarious situation when their vehicle becomes trapped in a river.

After migrating to Iron City and confronting a man adamant about the media ignoring their plight, the family finally returns home weeks later, only for Jack to find his fears of death heightened due to his exposure. While life appears to stabilize, Babette morphs into a shell of her former self, appearing frail and emotionally detached.

Jack begins experiencing unsettling hallucinations of a balding man who seems to be shadowing him. Concerned about Babette’s condition, Denise shares her worries regarding the effects of Dylar. Upon confronting Babette, Jack learns that the drug is experimental and was part of a clandestine clinical trial aimed at treating the fear of death. After enduring a few months of a disgraceful arrangement to maintain access to the drug involving a shadowy figure known as Mr. Gray, Babette’s struggles come to light.

Fueled by curiosity and rage, Jack embarks on a quest to confront Mr. Gray. Ultimately, he discovers that this elusive figure is the very man tormenting his mind and, in a dramatic twist, Jack shoots him, placing the weapon to create a facade of suicide. Yet, their confrontation escalates, resulting in both Jack and Babette suffering injuries. After a sequence of mind-bending events, including their reconciliation, they end up at a peculiar hospital run by German atheist nuns.

In a heartwarming finale, the Gladneys re-enter a semblance of normalcy, shopping at their local A&P supermarket, where they find joy in dancing alongside other patrons, indicating that amid chaos, the simplicity of life still prevails.