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Short sci-fi film

Zero (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Zero (2019) movie poster

Zero is a 2019 short sci-fi film directed by David T. Lynch and Keith Lynch, starring Bella Ramsey as Alice, Nigel O'Neill and James Oliver Wheatley. It runs 14 minutes and earned $18.4 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 46/100.

worldwide gross
$18.4M
Echo Score
46
Zero (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
14 min
Directors
David T. Lynch and Keith Lynch
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original language
English
Studio
DUST
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Zero About?

The premise of Zero without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Following a mysterious electromagnetic pulse that disables all technology, a young girl finds herself alone and isolated. She must rely on her father's carefully established rules to survive in a world without power or communication. The event marks the end of civilization as she knows it, but for her, it's a test of resilience and a journey of self-discovery.

Zero Themes & Keywords

· 28 tags
  • teenage girl
  • post apocalypse
  • home alone
  • boarding up a window
  • father and daughter living together
  • teenage daughter
  • supplies
  • father daughter relationship
  • trust no one
  • isolation
  • refusing to leave the house
  • father daughter hug
+16 more
  • man collapses
  • cpr
  • phonograph
  • teenage girl wears pajamas
  • knock at the door
  • side by side shotgun
  • sawed off shotgun
  • begging for food
  • sponge bath
  • push ups
  • sit ups
  • dead body buried under the floor
  • axe
  • leaving home
  • giant robot
  • death of father
Cast & crew

Zero Cast & Characters

Bella Ramsey leads the cast as Alice, with Nigel O'Neill as John and James Oliver Wheatley as Michael (voice). Directed by David T. Lynch and Keith Lynch; 4 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Zero Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 46/100, strongest in character & emotion (52) and weakest in sensory experience (38).

46 /100

Zero Echo Score Breakdown

Zero attempts a bold blend of romance, comedy, and science-fiction, positioning a dwarf protagonist amid space travel and personal drama. Critics acknowledge the film’s inventive premise and occasional moments of heart, yet they repeatedly cite uneven direction, clumsy pacing, and a lack of emotional cohesion that undercut its ambitions. User reactions echo this split, praising the concept and performances while condemning the second-half excesses. Consequently, the film offers fleeting novelty but struggles to sustain engagement, reflected in its modest aggregate rating.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 48

    From a visual standpoint, Zero showcases an ambitious production design that ventures into space‑themed set pieces and bold color palettes. However, critics note uneven cinematography and editing, especially in the latter half where the narrative’s pacing feels erratic. The early sections display occasional flair, but overall the craftsmanship feels inconsistent.

  • Character & Emotion 52

    Acting in Zero generates polarized responses; Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma and moments of nuanced performance are highlighted, yet many reviewers find his portrayal lacking depth and emotional resonance. Supporting characters receive brief commendations for individuality, but the ensemble’s chemistry feels thin, resulting in a disconnect that hampers audience empathy.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The film’s premise—a dwarf aspiring to love and space travel—offers an original hook that initially engages viewers. Nonetheless, critics repeatedly point to disjointed pacing, implausible plot twists, and a second‑half that drifts into ludicrous territory, undermining narrative coherence. Consequently, the storytelling feels more experimental than compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 38

    Zero’s visual effects attempt to blend grounded realism with fantastical space sequences, yet reviewers describe the execution as uneven, with noticeable reliance on CGI that fails to evoke emotional impact. Sound design and musical cues receive little mention, suggesting they neither enhance nor detract significantly from the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    While the film’s novelty and occasional heartfelt moments may intrigue first‑time viewers, the prevailing inconsistencies in narrative focus and visual execution diminish its rewatch appeal. Audiences citing the film’s experimental spirit acknowledge its fleeting charm, but the overall unevenness limits lasting enjoyment on subsequent viewings.

Plot

Zero Plot Summary

What happens in Zero from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Bauua Singh is a young man from Meerut who stands out for his short stature and his persistent struggle to find a marriage partner. The story follows his tangled path through family expectations, romantic missteps, and a bold leap into space, all while he searches for a love that truly fits him. After trying various matrimonial agencies with little luck, he finally encounters Aafia Yusufzai Bhinder, a scientist working with NSAR—a fictionalized NASA-like organization. Aafia, who lives with cerebral palsy, becomes Bauua’s companion, and the two fall in love. Yet the relationship falters, and Bauua ends things after about five months. When Aafia reappears seeking reconciliation, Bauua’s parents intervene and attempt to arrange a marriage for them.

Full summary

The whole story of Zero, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Zero Box Office

Zero grossed $18.4 million worldwide. $1 million came from the US and Canada and $17.4 million (94%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$18.4M

US & Canada
$1M
International
$17.4M
US & Canada 6% Rest of the world 94%
Videos

Zero Videos

The featurette of Zero.

Sci-Fi Short Film “ZERO” starring Bella Ramsey of Game Of Thrones | DUST Original
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Zero?

6 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 6

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered

What is the name of the main protagonist of this film?

Seen Zero?

FAQ

Zero FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Zero, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Zero?

Zero runs 14 minutes.

When was Zero released?

Zero was released on July 10, 2019.

Who directed Zero?

Zero was directed by David T. Lynch and Keith Lynch.

More films by David T. Lynch

Who is in the cast of Zero?

Zero stars Bella Ramsey as Alice, Nigel O'Neill as John and James Oliver Wheatley as Michael (voice), among 4 credited actors.

How much did Zero make at the box office?

Zero grossed $18.4 million worldwide ($1 million domestic, $17.4 million international).

Does Zero have a post-credit scene?

No. Zero has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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