In 1998, Ben Stiller rose to fame with his major role in the comedy hit There’s Something About Mary, but earlier that year he co-starred in Zero Effect, a mystery film that deserves more recognition. This Jake Kasdan-directed movie features Stiller as the assistant to a highly intelligent yet troubled detective, in a modern take on the Sherlock Holmes stories. Despite strong critical praise, including a 3.5-star review from Roger Ebert, Zero Effect earned only $2 million at the box office. This overlooked detective story is worth revisiting, especially for fans of Ben Stiller Zero Effect Sherlock themes.
A Contemporary Twist on Sherlock Holmes in ‘Zero Effect’
Zero Effect presents Stiller as Steve Arlo, the loyal but stressed-out assistant to Darryl Zero, played by Bill Pullman, who claims to be the world’s greatest detective. Zero is brilliant at piecing together clues and unravelling complicated backstories but is socially withdrawn, refusing to meet clients directly and relying on Arlo to handle much of the legwork. While Arlo outwardly praises Zero’s detective skills, his personal life is increasingly disrupted by Zero’s demanding nature.
The film loosely adapts Arthur Conan Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes story, A Scandal in Bohemia, which introduces Irene Adler, a character who, though appearing only in that story, has become iconic in many Sherlock adaptations. Zero Effect transports the narrative into the 1990s, injecting new elements like blackmail and deep psychological trauma affecting both the main suspect and detective Zero himself.
Kim Dickens takes on the role of Gloria Sullivan, the film’s version of Irene Adler. Gloria’s cunning nature both fascinates and challenges Zero, leading to a tentative romance that contrasts with Zero’s guarded personality. Meanwhile, Arlo struggles to maintain his own relationship under the strain of his assistant duties. The film blends a buddy comedy tone with detective intrigue, making it uniquely engaging.
The Complex Dynamics Between Zero and Arlo
Ben Stiller excels as the exasperated, put-upon character whose tolerance is tested time and again by difficult personalities. Steve Arlo’s role in Zero Effect foreshadows Stiller’s later portrayals of lovelorn or stressed men in films like There’s Something About Mary and Meet the Parents. Arlo respects Zero’s brilliance but resents the detective’s eccentric and controlling demeanor.
Arlo’s growing irritation generates some of the film’s most memorable moments, such as his candid conversations with friends and his repeated disruptions caused by Zero’s sudden demands, requiring him to travel cross-country at unpredictable times. This early glimpse of Stiller’s comedic style stands out, even though he is technically the supporting actor.
Bill Pullman delivers a quietly powerful performance as Darryl Zero, balancing the detective’s supreme confidence with his unsettling reclusive tendencies. The film includes narration from Zero’s autobiography, revealing his pride and conviction in being the finest detective alive. Still, the character is more nuanced than a simple Holmes caricature. Zero’s traumatic past adds emotional weight, and his interactions with Gloria provide rare moments of vulnerability and genuine connection. The screenplay’s blend of wit and tenderness enriches the narrative, making the film both smart and heartfelt.
The Lost Potential of Zero Effect’s Characters
Zero Effect’s disappointing box office results might have been avoided if the film had premiered after There’s Something About Mary, which was a major R-rated comedy success. Despite the commercial failure, those involved continued their successful careers: Ben Stiller became a renowned comedian and director, and Bill Pullman remained a respected actor. Director Jake Kasdan also progressed to lead notable projects such as Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and recent Jumanji films.
The chemistry between Zero and Arlo offers much untapped storytelling potential. Kasdan’s film hints at deeper explorations of this duo’s interactions, which could have developed into a captivating franchise or television series. Kasdan attempted to launch a Zero Effect TV show in the early 2000s, recasting the roles but the pilot was ultimately not picked up by NBC. Fans of Ben Stiller Zero Effect Sherlock may still hope for a reunion of Stiller and Pullman in the future to revive these intriguing characters.
“Zero Effect creates such a compelling character dynamic that it’s a shame Kasdan couldn’t continue their adventures.” —Jake Kasdan, Director
