Four Good Days - A Movie Review

Never give up the battle. We are stronger than we think.

Four Good Days is a 2020 film based on true events. At her lowest point, Molly begs her mother for help with her addiction problem. Reluctantly, Deb gets her daughter help. For the next four days, they have to commit to their strenuous relationship if Molly is going to recover from substance abuse.

Four Good Days is a heartwrenching story of the terrible outcomes of drug addictions. No matter how hard it is, we can never give up on ourselves or our family. This film is unsettling, painful, but it is also an empowering story. We are still humans, trying to make a change.

Glenn Close and Mila Kunis dug deep into a difficult relationship. Both deserve an Academy Award for commendable performances. The interactions between Close and Kunis are the most vital segment of the film. Having gone through rough patches, they are trying to mend the wounds. I enjoyed the moments where they shared a laugh or talked about memories.

Just because Deb is doing everything she can for the sake of Molly, she is also a flawed character. Having trust issues, her attitude makes the situation worse. It’s subtle, but Deb also has her own addictions. Close is a remarkable actress. She conveyed riveting emotions, learning a monumental lesson.

This is a role I have never seen Kunis in. The research that she administered brought out a startling performance. I was floored by the moving speech she gave to a classroom. I wanted to stand up and applaud her. Molly influences anybody who is struggling in her situation to keep fighting and be a better you.

I was excited to see that Stephen Root had a part in Four Good Days. I have become a big fan of Root since I have seen his impeccable performance in the HBO series Barry. Only, he is hardly in it at all. Finally having the opportunity to play a pleasant character, he didn’t need to be in the film at all. His main duty is to be supportive - and that’s it.

Due to the film mainly focusing on Deb and Molly’s interactions, most of the supporting characters didn’t have much of a purpose. Carla Gallo’s role deserved to be expanded. The main purpose of the ensemble is to recognize how Molly’s addiction has messed with important relationships.

We all have contrasting opinions about addiction. That’s another duty of the ensemble. Our differing opinions manifest what we have been through in life. You can never judge somebody until you walk in their shoes. We all have a story to tell. Stories like drug addictions are important to recognize.

Four Good Days does not hold back on the brutalities of addiction. Not only does it portray its awful effects on users, but the people around you. As triggering as this film is to viewers, it is a powerful lesson and warning.

Rodrigo Garcia worked tremendously with Close and Kunis to accurately portray every segment in this true story. Though, he could have worked on the story more. It felt drawn out. Supporting characters should have been involved more. I could tell that he struggled a bit trying to think up different ideas during the four days.

Regret is one major theme in the film. Decisions are never easy. Live the life that you want. No matter what, keep in mind that change is possible.

It was difficult to watch Four Good Days at times. The film is worth a watch for remarkable talents. We can do anything we set our minds to.