Nine Days (2021) Movie Review
Nine Days is one of the most unique movies I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this year. This is the directorial debut for Edson Oda who both wrote and directed Nine Days. The premise feels a little trippy as you enter a barren world that seems to be stuck in the 1990’s as far as technology is concerned. Will (Winston Duke) has a wall of televisions that contain VHS tapes that allow him to watch the lives of several humans on Earth. He takes very detailed notes on each human’s progress and habits. At the same time he is conducting interviews with several more people. Slowly we catch on that Will lives in some sort of limbo state where he isn’t truly alive but isn’t dead either.
His job is to interview (what must be considered) souls for entrance into life on Earth. Will is the gatekeeper and puts these souls through a variety of tests and scenarios to help him select who will be the best fit for humanity. There’s Mike (David Rysdahl), a sensitive guy who draws a beautiful scenic picture of a lake. Kane (Bill Skarsgård), a tough guy who seems to have no trouble standing up for himself and doesn’t seem to be very reflective about why he’s choosing certain things in the scenarios Will gives him. Maria (Arianna Ortiz) who takes a risk and wears her heart on her sleeve. Alexander (Tony Hale), a fun-loving man who doesn’t take much seriously and laughs uncomfortably when Will challenges him with tougher scenarios. Finally there’s Emma (Zazie Beetz) who is the most sensitive, inquisitive, and intuitive of the group. Will must narrow down the group and select only one soul for the position.
The premise is completely odd and there is a good deal of suspension of disbelief involved. What Nine Days does the best is to explore heavy themes in a compelling and interesting way. There is an element of the nature versus nurture debate at play here. People are born with certain inherent traits and characteristics that can’t be altered a great deal. And some people’s natures are more well suited for making it through life’s challenges than others. It’s an impossible job for Will, to select who might do well in life — not to mention an emotional one. The ones who aren’t selected simply disappear from this limbo world. But not before Will grants them one last “moment.” The individuals have been watching the wall of televisions, witnessing the humans who are already living and trying to figure out how life works. When Will tells them they haven’t been selected he offers them a chance to pick their favorite moment and then recreates it for them. These moments are small, like going to a beach or riding a bike. But the power of these moments is immense. Oda does a remarkable job of capturing the joys of being human in these small moments. I later found myself reminiscing and romanticizing the last time I took a bike ride — the scenes were that powerful.
The premise of Nine Days is what makes it stand out. It is one of the most interesting concepts I’ve seen on screen this year. But the acting is what makes the movie work. Duke carries the movie forward, making quiet moments of contemplation compelling to watch. Will is more complex than he appears, and Duke does an excellent job of combining small details to make Will interesting and sympathetic. Zazie Beetz also shines as Emma, playing an excellent foil to Will’s more matter of fact way of viewing the world. Emma is hopeful and non-judgemental as she watches the wall of televisions and attempts to sort through Will’s scenario questions. Beetz steals scenes and brings an emotional nature to the movie as a whole. Nine Days is one of my favorite movies this year because of the distinctive story and the themes that are explored. It’s an excellent reminder that despite life’s complexities and trials, there’s always beauty to be found, if only you look hard enough.
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like quiet moments of contemplation
2. You enjoy movies with unique insights on life
3. You like intensive character studies