Days of Daisy, directed by Alexander Jeffery, is a film that delves into the life of Daisy Bea, a high school librarian who finds herself at a crossroads as her 40th birthday approaches. This heartfelt and emotionally charged movie explores themes of personal fulfillment, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and the true meaning of parenthood. While it treads on familiar ground and adheres to a tried-and-true formula, Days of Daisy manages to be both uplifting and poignant, thanks to its relatable characters and their journeys of self-discovery. Despite a modest budget and occasional moments of rushed storytelling, the outstanding lead performance from Jency Griffin Hogan elevates the film and makes it a compelling watch.
The film tackles several thought-provoking themes, foremost among them being the exploration of parenthood. Through Daisy’s encounters with the students at West High School and her newfound connection with the photographer Jack Palmer, the film examines the different facets of being a parent. It challenges traditional notions of parenthood and highlights the various forms it can take, ultimately emphasizing the importance of love, support, and mentorship in shaping the lives of young individuals.
The movie strikes a delicate balance between uplifting and emotional moments. It captures Daisy’s internal struggle as she grapples with societal expectations of settling down and starting a family, while also providing heartwarming scenes that celebrate the power of human connection and the pursuit of one’s passions. These emotional peaks, coupled with moments of self-reflection, invite viewers to reflect on their own lives and find inspiration in Daisy’s journey of self-discovery.
This feature employs a familiar narrative structure, incorporating elements often seen in similar films. While this adherence to a formula may detract from its originality, the movie compensates with its relatable characters and nuanced exploration of themes. The familiarity serves as a foundation for viewers to engage with the story and invest in Daisy’s personal growth.
Jency Griffin Hogan delivers an exceptional performance as Daisy Bea. Hogan brings depth and authenticity to the character, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of a woman at a pivotal point in her life. She expertly conveys Daisy’s internal conflicts and desires, allowing the audience to empathize with her journey. Hogan’s natural chemistry with the supporting cast, particularly in her scenes with the character of Jack Palmer (played by an equally commendable actor in the form of Bryan Langlitz), enhances the emotional resonance of the film.
One of the noticeable shortcomings of Days of Daisy is its limited budget, which becomes apparent in certain production aspects. The film lacks the visual grandeur that could have added further depth to the storytelling and the overall cinematic experience. Additionally, the pacing occasionally feels rushed, with some scenes lacking the necessary breathing space to fully explore the emotional nuances of the characters and their relationships. This rushed approach hinders the development of certain plot points, making the narrative feel slightly disjointed at times.
Alexander Jeffery’s Days of Daisy provides an uplifting and emotional exploration of parenthood and personal fulfillment. While it incorporates familiar plot points and adheres to a well-worn formula, the film’s relatable characters and Jency Griffin Hogan’s outstanding lead performance make it a worthwhile watch. Despite its modest budget and occasional pacing issues, Days of Daisy manages to strike a chord with its audience, reminding us of the importance of self-discovery, human connection, and pursuing our passions in the face of societal expectations. It’s definitely not one of the best films you’ll watch all year but it’s also certainly not going to be one of the worst. It’s mostly just more of the same.
Days of Daisy is currently available On Demand courtesy of Good Deed Entertainment.
Alexander Jeffery's Days of Daisy provides an uplifting and emotional exploration of parenthood and personal fulfillment.
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GVN Rating 6
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Caillou Pettis is a professional film critic and journalist as well as the author of While You Sleep, The Inspiring World of Horror: The Movies That Influenced Generations, and co-author of Out of Time: True Paranormal Encounters. He has been writing in the entertainment industry for over seven and a half years professionally. Throughout the years, he has written articles for publications including Gold Derby, Exclaim!, CBR, Awards Radar, Awards Watch, Flickering Myth, BRWC, Starburst Magazine, Punch Drunk Critics, Mediaversity Reviews, Vinyl Chapters, Northern Transmissions, and Beats Per Minute.