
A Zed & Two Noughts 1985
Peter Greenaway's surreal 1985 drama *A Zed & Two Noughts* follows identical twin zoologists whose lives shatter when their wives die in a car crash triggered by a swan—an eerie omen that sends them spiraling into macabre obsessions.
Director: Peter Greenaway
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Zed & Two Noughts (1985) about?
The film centers on identical twin zoologists whose lives take a tragic turn when their wives die in a swan-related car crash. Haunted by loss, they become fixated on decay and death, forming a complex relationship with the amputee driver of the fatal accident.
Who directed A Zed & Two Noughts?
Peter Greenaway, known for his visually striking and thematically dense films like *The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover*, directed this enigmatic drama.
Who stars in A Zed & Two Noughts?
The film features Frances Barber, Joss Ackland, Brian Deacon, Geoffrey Palmer, and Andréa Ferréol in pivotal roles.
Is A Zed & Two Noughts (1985) worth watching?
Greenaway's audacious storytelling and striking imagery make it a cult favorite for fans of offbeat cinema. While not mainstream, its exploration of grief and symmetry offers a unique viewing experience for those seeking thought-provoking drama.
How long is A Zed & Two Noughts?
The runtime is 116 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About A Zed & Two Noughts (1985) — A Dark, Poetic Journey into Grief and Obsession
Peter Greenaway's surreal 1985 drama *A Zed & Two Noughts* follows identical twin zoologists whose lives shatter when their wives die in a car crash triggered by a swan—an eerie omen that sends them spiraling into macabre obsessions. As the brothers immerse themselves in the decay of animals, they form an unsettling bond with the accident's survivor, a woman who now navigates life as an amputee. Greenaway weaves themes of loss, symmetry, and existential dread through a visually arresting lens, blending dark humor with poetic melancholy. The film's clinical detachment contrasts sharply with its emotional rawness, creating an unforgettable experience.
Frances Barber and Joss Ackland anchor the cast as the grieving twins, while Geoffrey Palmer delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic figure caught in their orbit. The movie's stark, almost clinical portrayal of death invites reflection on mortality and the fragility of human connection. With its genre-defying blend of comedy and drama, *A Zed & Two Noughts* challenges viewers to confront the beauty and brutality of existence.