Watching Zero Charisma feels a lot like peeking in on the private moments of the cringe-inducing neckbeard we’ve all encountered at least once in our lives. The writing and acting throughout the movie are so well done that I’d believe Sam Eidson, who plays main character Scott, actually spent time as just such a person, except the ego of the “Game Master, genius, leader of the nerds” type is normally much too fragile for one to allow himself to be portrayed in such an unflattering way.
The movie revolves around a group of misfits that are much too old to still be taking table-top gaming so seriously. Scott, the leader, has dedicated the majority of his life’s focus on fulfilling the role of what he thinks a Game Master should be. He spends his free time writing new adventures, acting out upcoming scenarios with his hand painted figures, and finding ways to belittle his friends to elevate himself above them and maintain his delusions. Wayne(Brock England), his most loyal party member, is an agreeable whipping boy, never taking the insults to heart and never offering much resistance when challenged by Scott. The other two party members, Leonard and Martin, seem to be tolerating the uncomfortable moments of the friendship out of habit. Having gathered to play for many years, the group has set a routine with strict rules and dedication that are all challenged when Scott invites a new guy, Miles, to join them.
Miles (Garrett Grahamis) what all the group members wish to be; attractive, laid-back, talented and successful in the real world, fun, and in a relationship with a beautiful girl. His quest for fun turns the serious group against each other as he exposes them to what they could be. Miles quickly becomes Scott’s nemesis after challenging the strict conduct imposed on game nights and calling Scott out on his unrealistic, boastful claims of greatness.
After a falling out with the group, Scott decides to get revenge as only a true neckbeard would – by challenging his nemesis to hand-to-hand combat, trusting that his knowledge of medieval combat tactics will carry him to victory. I won’t spoil who the victor is; you’ll have to give the movie a watch if you want to know.
I enjoyed this movie very much. It induced some sympathy cringes, while giving me a look into the soul of someone I couldn’t quite root for, but ended up liking anyway. If you have the time to take a silly 1 hour, 26 minute quest of nerdiness, Zero Charisma won’t disappoint.
Not Rated | 1h 26min | 8 October 2013
Directors: Katie Graham, Andrew Matthews
Writer: Andrew Matthews
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