Movie Reviews

‘Nine Days’ Review – A Beautiful Examination Of Life In Itself and What It Means To Be Alive

By Dom Fisher
August 7, 2021
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Synopsis:

Will (Winston Duke) spends his days in a remote outpost watching the live Point of View (POV) on TV’s of people going about their lives,
until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Soon, several candidates — unborn souls — arrive at Will’s to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma (Zazie Beetz), a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life. Making his feature-film debut after a series of highly acclaimed and award-winning short films and music videos, Japanese Brazilian director Edson Oda delivers a heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo, aching to be born against unimaginable odds, yet hindered by forces beyond their will…

At some point, we all ask ourselves what the meaning of life is. While it’s a fair and more than reasonable question, I think the more important question is, what gives life meaning? Now, the answers are going to differ from one person to the next, but that’s the beauty of it. The question is specific enough to make it universal, connecting all of human existence in a profound way. Life doesn’t have to be difficult, instead, it should be a beautiful experience even if painful at times. Unfortunately, the way the majority of us have indoctrinated, we never get to fully participate in its vast magnificence.

“Will, what’s it like to be alive?”

Ready yourself for an introspective existential experience in Edson Oda’s Nine Days. It’s a beautiful examination of life in itself and what it means to be alive. Set in the middle of nowhere with nothing but flat desert land and gorgeous skies, the mostly solitary atmosphere and trance-like score allow for extensive pondering and exposure. Telling the story of a man once alive who now is tasked with choosing which nominated souls get to inhabit vacancies in the world of the flesh, his need to do his job becomes plagued by harsh realizations. Anchored by a commanding yet tempered performance by Winston Duke, the film also features great performances by Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, David Rysdahl, and Bill Skarsgård.

This is a film that will have you not only inspecting the life of our protagonist but also questioning your own outlook of the world around you. Delving into multiple personalities types and how they are perceived, the film also looks tackles the actions of mankind. While this film is incredibly different, I do find that there are tiny creative aspects that remind me of Down to Earth and Soul. That said, Nine Days is not only mesmerizing but feels vastly fresh and original. The cinematography is intimate, caring, and beautiful, the editing is smooth, and the story is immensely well-written. Masterfully executed and emotionally mature, this film will bring tears to your eyes and put a smile on your face. I enjoyed it a great deal and will be very surprised if it doesn’t get nominated for multiple awards. Its rewatchability is high.

Left to Right: Winston Duke as Will, Bill Skarsgård as Kane in NINE DAYS. Photo by Michael Coles. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Left to Right: David Rysdahl as Mike, Winston Duke as Will in NINE DAYS. Photo by Michael Coles. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Pacing & Pop

The pacing of the film is methodical and well thought out. It’s not meant to be sped through, it’s a story that needs to breathe and reflect upon itself. What popped for me was Will’s monologue in the third act. It made me cry, it made me smile, and it was placed perfectly.

Center: Zazie Beetz as Emma in NINE DAYS. Photo by Michael Coles. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Left to Right: Winston Duke as Will, Zazie Beetz as Emma in NINE DAYS. Photo by Michael Coles. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Characters & Chemistry

Everyone in the film did an amazing job. As Will, Winston Duke shows he has incredible range as he delivers a terrific performance. Zazie Beetz continues to prove that she can thrive in any role she gets. As the free spirit Emma, she drives helps drive the story by making Will question everything he knows. Benedict Wong as Kyo is a beacon of reason and has great chemistry with Duke. My favorite unsuspected performance is from that of David Rysdahl. As Mike, he provides a certain level of emotion that makes the film great.

Nine Days is now playing in theaters nationwide as of August 6, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.