Nine Days Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cosmic bureaucrat in a remote desert house uses old TVs to judge unborn souls based on their ability to appreciate the mundane before deciding who gets a shot at TikTok stardom.

🍿 Nine Days: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Will’s Existential Task

Will, portrayed by Winston Duke, exists in a desolate landscape, an intermediary space between life and non-existence. His purpose is to observe the lives of individuals on Earth via a bank of old television sets. He meticulously documents their experiences, seemingly searching for a pattern or a reason. This routine is disrupted when one of his chosen individuals, a talented violinist named Amanda, dies unexpectedly.

The Arrival of the Souls

With Amanda’s passing, a vacancy opens for a new life. Several souls, presented as fully-formed individuals, arrive at Will’s outpost. They are candidates vying for the opportunity to be born. Will subjects them to a series of interviews and tests, designed to assess their suitability for life. The tests explore their perspectives on joy, suffering, and the complexities of human existence. The setting and concept create an atmosphere of philosophical inquiry and surreal drama.

Emma’s Unique Perspective

Among the souls is Emma, played by Zazie Beetz, who stands out from the others. She possesses a unique perspective, questioning Will’s methods and challenging his assumptions. Emma’s empathy and curiosity force Will to confront his own past and the reasons behind his detached demeanor. Her presence becomes a catalyst for Will’s internal transformation as he reconsiders his views on the value and meaning of life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Will (Winston Duke): A reclusive arbiter, who was once alive, now judges souls for the opportunity to be born, grappling with his own past trauma.
• Emma (Zazie Beetz): A free-spirited and empathetic soul candidate who challenges Will’s perspective on life and the selection process.
• Kyo (Benedict Wong): A soul who was not selected for life and now assists Will in the selection process, offering support and guidance.
• Kane (Bill Skarsgård): A pessimistic soul candidate who is ultimately chosen by Will for his perceived strength to face the evils of the world.
• Alexander (Tony Hale): A sybaritic soul candidate who is interviewed by Will and challenges his judgment of others’ lives.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Will: “Have you ever reckoned the Earth much?” – Will uses this line to set the tone of his philosophical and existential interviews with the souls.
• Will: “Spend this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems.” – Quoting Walt Whitman, Will invites the souls to contemplate the essence of life and existence.
• Will: “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” – Further quoting Whitman, Will expresses the importance of self-appreciation and acknowledging one’s own existence.
• Will: “If you want me again look for me under your boot soles.” – Will concludes his Whitman recitation with this quote, suggesting the interconnectedness of life and the enduring presence of the soul.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $694,849
• Worldwide Gross: $967,662

💥 Nine Days Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Nine Days completely blew me away. I went in not knowing what to expect, and I left feeling like I had just experienced something truly special. Winston Duke’s performance was incredible. I felt every ounce of his pain and confusion. The scenes where he recreates human experiences for the souls, like the beach and the bike ride, were so moving. This film really made me think about what it means to be alive and to appreciate every moment. The ending, with him shouting Whitman’s poem, gave me goosebumps.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of philosophical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in existential themes”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking indie films”
  • “People who enjoy films with strong performances and unique premises”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide themes”
  • “Existential angst”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Edson Oda’s debut is a philosophical journey that grapples with the meaning of life and the complexities of the human spirit. Winston Duke delivers a compelling performance as Will, a man burdened by his past, while Zazie Beetz shines as the free-spirited Emma. The film’s slow pace and contemplative nature may not appeal to all, but those willing to immerse themselves will find a rewarding experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Nine Days is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores existential themes with sensitivity and grace. Winston Duke anchors the film with his powerful performance, while the supporting cast delivers nuanced portrayals of souls yearning for life. The film’s unique premise and philosophical depth make it a standout indie drama.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praise the film’s originality and profound exploration of existential themes.: The outstanding performances, especially from Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz, are consistently lauded. The unique visual style and thought-provoking narrative resonate deeply with audiences.

Overall Consensus: Nine Days is a critically acclaimed indie drama that delves into profound existential questions with stellar performances and a unique visual style. Though its slow pace may not suit all tastes, it is a rewarding experience for those seeking a thought-provoking film.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Edson Oda has stated that the films ‘After Life’ by Hirokazu Koreeda and ‘The Tree of Life’ by Terrence Malick heavily influenced ‘Nine Days’.”
• “The film explores themes of existentialism, the meaning of life, and regret through a unique premise of souls auditioning for the chance to be born.”
• “Sao Paulo, Brazil served as one of the key filming locations, adding to the film’s visual and thematic elements.”
• “This film is a debut for Edson Oda, after creating acclaimed and award-winning short films and music videos.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nine Days?

As of [Current Date], ‘Nine Days’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as offerings may vary by region. Unfortunately, ‘Nine Days’ is not currently available on any streaming subscription services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. If you prefer physical media, the film may be available for purchase on Blu-ray or DVD from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, although availability may fluctuate.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nine Days, you might like these similar films:

• After Life (1998): Direct comparison as both films explore the afterlife and the selection/recollection of meaningful memories.
• The Tree of Life (2011): Thematic Similarities in exploring the meaning of life, spirituality, and existential questions through a unique visual style.
• Soul (2020): Modern Equivalent that similarly deals with pre-life, the search for purpose, and what makes life worth living.
• What Dreams May Come (1998): Explores afterlife realms and spiritual themes with a visually distinct and emotionally resonant style.
• The Seventh Seal (1957): Classic existential film exploring life, death, and meaning through symbolic and philosophical themes.

🛒 Nine Days Related Products

• Nine Days [Blu-ray]: Own the film in stunning high definition and relive the profound story and breathtaking visuals. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and a director’s commentary, providing valuable insights into the making of the film.
• Walt Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass’: Dive into the complete collection of Walt Whitman’s poetry, including ‘Song of Myself,’ featured prominently in the film. Explore the themes of individuality, nature, and the human experience that resonate deeply with the film’s narrative.
• Vintage CRT Television Set Replica: A miniature replica of the CRT televisions featured in the movie. A great conversation piece and a nostalgic nod to the film’s unique visual aesthetic.
• Existential Philosophy: An Introduction: Explore the core concepts of existentialism with this accessible introduction. Delve into the ideas of Sartre, Camus, and Kierkegaard, and gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of ‘Nine Days.’

🎧 Soundtrack

Nine Days features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Nine Days” – performed by Antonio Pinto
• “Song of Myself” – performed by Performed by Winston Duke

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Before Birth, Humans Face 9-Days Trial In Upside World To Decide If They Should Be Born

Ever wondered what happens *before* we’re born? This video breaks down the mind-bending premise of ‘N1NE D4YS’ where souls face a cosmic trial. Honestly, it makes you think about life a little differently!

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