Four Good Days Reviews
Glenn Close was excellent.
I felt like watching a good movie tonight and I saw where the audience gave this one good reviews. The critics always give good movies bad ratings. This was an inspiring movie. I know some drug addict that have recovered. Now I know what they went through and this movie showed how hard it was. Like Molly in the movie, my friends that are recovered addicts survived. I highly recommend watching this movie.
In the dramatic tapestry of contemporary cinema, few narratives probe the heart of human frailty and resilience with the poignant acuity found in “Four Good Days.” Directed by Rodrigo García and featuring stellar performances from Mila Kunis and Glenn Close, this film traverses the turbulent landscape of addiction and familial strife over the course of a mere four days, each moment laden with palpable tension and cathartic revelations. The film emerges as a raw, unflinching exploration of love, imperfection, betrayal, and the convoluted threads that bind a mother to her daughter in their shared struggle against the ceaseless grip of addiction. **Story: 5/5** At the narrative core of “Four Good Days” lies a duality that is both gripping and multifaceted— a mother unalterably fractured by her daughter's addiction, and a daughter who is helplessly ensnared in her own self-destructive cycle. The screenplay deftly illustrates the intricate dynamics of a relationship marred by years of manipulation, deceit, and disappointment, culminating in a heartrending spectacle of yearning and estrangement. The thematic exposition of hurt—not only self-inflicted but also collateral damage within familial bonds—is an emotionally riveting testament to the crippling ramifications of addiction. The film’s exploration of acceptance, trust, and love amid setbacks refreshingly confronts the brutal realities of addiction while evoking immense empathy from its audience. **Cinematography: 4.5/5** García’s unparalleled attention to visual detail injects an authenticity into the narrative that elevates it beyond conventional storytelling. The cinematography dissects the subtleties of emotional states using chiaroscuro lighting and intimate shots that lay bare the visceral turmoil residing within each character. Each frame encapsulates the harrowing journey of addiction and recovery, reflecting the tempestuous nature of the mother-daughter relationship; the setting of their family home serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles as they navigate both external and internal chaos. The realism is disquieting yet captivating, underscoring the characters’ emotional distance juxtaposed against their enduring connection. **Cast: 5/5** Mila Kunis delivers an astoundingly raw performance as the beleaguered addict, portraying depth that is both haunting and heart-wrenching. Her transformation eclipses her pristine public persona, presenting a character rife with vulnerability, desperation, and fierce stubbornness in her quest for sobriety. Kunis’s dedication is palpable; one is struck by her ability to wholly inhabit the role, conveying the turbulent chaos and moments of clarity in the addict's plight. Glenn Close, in an equally impressive role, embodies a mother whose ferocity oscillates between protectiveness and exasperation. Close artfully navigates the seas of frustration and love, rendering her character relatable in her conflicted emotions. One can easily breathe in the agony and turbulence rupturing their relationship. This layered portrayal of maternal instinct in the face of extensive trauma offers a fresh perspective on the psychological toll that addiction wreaks on family units. Together, Kunis and Close transcend mere performance, forging an authentic emotional crucible that allows the audience to witness the complexity of familial love in times of adversity. **Music: 3.5/5** The film’s sparse yet poignant score serves as a subtle undercurrent, enhancing rather than overshadowing the emotional dialogue. Though the soundtrack does not dominate the narrative, its occasional presence contributes to a meditative atmosphere that recalls a gentle heartbeat amidst the chaos of addiction’s fallout. The minimalist approach enhances the raw authenticity of the performances, rendering the emotional beats more pronounced and resonant. **Production: 4.5/5** Visually, the production design is evocative yet understated, as it mirrors the conflict of the narrative. The stark realism of locations juxtaposed with the ethereal lighting encapsulates the duality of despair and hope intrinsic to the themes of love and recovery. “Four Good Days” presents its emotional core with a level of maturity that underscores the devastating impact of addiction, steering clear of theatricality to foster genuine insight into its characters and their relationships. "Four Good Days," a poignant exploration of addiction, transcends the superficial expectations of its audience, compellingly eschewing the gratuitous visuals of drug use that have become the hallmark of contemporary cinema. In this intimate drama, director Rodrigo Garcia deftly crafts a narrative that circumvents the voyeuristic impulses of modern spectatorship; instead of reveling in the grotesque act of substance abuse, he focuses on the harrowing aftermath—the emotional turbulence and fraught dynamics between the protagonist and her estranged mother. This astute choice reflects a profound commentary on the nature of dependency, revealing that the true horror lies not in the act itself, but in the insidious grip of addiction that distorts human relationships and ravages the soul. Critics who deride the film for its restraint tragically reveal their desensitization to the visceral realities of pain and recovery, dismissing the film’s artistry in favor of a shallow spectacle that prioritizes sensationalism over truth. Ultimately, "Four Good Days" challenges us to confront the ambiguity of addiction's consequences without resorting to the obnoxious, urging viewers to appreciate the raw, unembellished struggle of reclaiming one’s life from the abyss—not for the twisted thrill of witnessing depravity, but for the transformative power of hope. **Overall: 4.5/5 (91%)** “Four Good Days” stands as a monumental film that succeeds not only in its narrative ambition but also in the profound performances that drive its emotional narrative. In an era where stories of addiction often fall prey to sensationalism, García’s film emerges as a strikingly authentic portrayal of the human condition, accentuating the indelible bonds of love that are both sculpted and shattered by addiction. It implores audiences to comprehend the depths of despair while simultaneously illuminating the potential for redemption across tumultuous relationships—a cinematic tour de force that refuses to be forgotten.
A hard watch and good performances from both leading actresses. The almost impossible role of a mother who loves her child - but knows that love is not enough and can even be damaging in these circumstances - was very well portrayed; as was the impact on the mother’s relationship with her partner. A brave film in its unflinching depiction of addiction.
the acting besides Glenn Close was abysmal.... felt like tthe young lady was reading off cue cards at times
This is the story of an elderly mother (Glenn Close) and her drug addict daughter (Mila Kunis) and how the mother tries to help the daughter to go just four days without heroin in order to benefit from a special treatment. A lot of the story is predictable, and of course the film makers realise they have a responsibility in how they portray this like this, so it presents a very mainstream view of an addict's journey to recovery. But it's a well-made film and the two leads are excellent. The clever costume design and makeup help us really believe in the people. There's a few bits of poor editing, and it isn't a barrel of laughs, but ultimately, a very well-realised film
Two great performances based on true events. Sadly these issues happen all the time. As we can relate to the mom with trust issues we can also understand how hard it is battling addiction.
As someone who has struggled with addiction, this hits home. It's very real and raw emotions that we have put our family and loved ones through. I asked my sister to watch it, and will ask my mom as well.
Well acted with a competent story on addiction, while it does focus more on the story of those dealing with the addict than that of the addict, it doesn’t add anything new to the subject matter and I have to raise an eyebrow at the end message. I question the critics low ratings for this.
No depoimento de Molly na escola, para as crianças, sobre drogas, foi tão tocante e emocionante, chorei… O filme todo é triste demais, são relatos reais do mal que as drogas pesadas fazem, direção realista e fiel ao documentário do qual foi baseado ‘How’s Amanda?’ e em 2021, 5 anos limpa... Mila Kunis esta maravilhosamente drogada, Glenn Close dispensa comentários, elas estão tão reconhecidas, que é nessas horas que percebemos a grandiosidade do talento. Exemplar de esperança e perseverança...
Although conventional in its form, Four Good Days is quite effective in involving the audience in the struggle of the two main characters. Good but not great.
the story parallels too many peoples reality. Its done well and I like the cast and their performances
The script isn't as good as the acting.
Glenn Close acting makes it worth watching
This movie was a very unrealistic movie. The girl in it was definitely smoking meth if she looked like that and opioid withdrawals don't last a week. The only realistic thing was that she was having cravings. Not a good movie but more anti opiate propaganda than anything.
Mila Kunis just keeps getting better and better.
Mila Kunis is brilliant.
Far cry from That 70s Show. If Mila Kunis doesn't catch an Oscar nom for this, they should stop the entire charade. Glenn Close too for that matter.
Enjoyed this, film about a heroine addict and her life story and how she became clean.
The set up was great but the ending left me disappointed. It was lacking something. Mila's portrayal of a drug addict was on point so the movie wasn't completely terrible.