‘Nine Days’ (2021) | Movie Review

In ‘Nine Days’, Winston Duke plays Will, an interviewer for candidates getting the chance at life on earth. The interview takes 9 days to complete, and only one person can be selected. As the group continue through the 9 days, and are given tasks or questions they need to honestly answer in order to be prepared for life is, in this philosophical look at life, its meaning, and how we perceive it to be in each individual level.

This came out during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, and I had the opportunity to cover the red carpet event and interview the cast and crew who had worked on the film (below) but unfortunately there wan either the chance to watch the movie or cover the red carpet so in this case I chose the latter (which is what my 5’4 body needed to be able to look at 6’5 Winston Duke’s beautiful face… ladder… get it?).

After seeing ‘Nine Days’ at a 10 pm screening last night, I’m not only in awe by the incredible performances, directing, and poignancy that makes me wish even though my experience was great, that I had seen the film instead.

First, Winston Duke is mesmerizing in this film. I loved him getting to play a much more subtle, hardened to his own sensitivity character that seeks redemption for something he couldn’t control. I loved his interviewing styles, how he was able to subtly show Will through his interviewing techniques. The interviewees, all unique in their perspectives and thoughts on Will’s questions were fantastic. Benedict Wong and Zazie Beetz are the standouts and absolutely brought it here.

The story doesn’t give you a lot on the surface. It’s probing you to ask yourself the same questions the interviewees are answering, and if you aren’t really prepared to be introspective ‘Nine Days’ may be looked at as pretentious in the wrong mindset. Please go in with an open mind, and don’t watch any trailers and go in knowing as little as possible.

Overall, ‘Nine Days’ was an incredible first film for Edson Oda. The story is powerful, emotionally resonate, and one of the hidden gems of 2021. Winston duke, Benedict Wong, Zazie Beets, EVERYONE is great. I’d definitely recommend experiencing for yourself and be prepared to ponder deep questions about life.