User reviews

I have read a lot of these reviews and I just wanted to add my opinion. Not all addicts are the same. What works for one might not work for another. But as a former user of opioids, I want to say that Subutex (buprenorphine) is a life saver. If only it was more accessible to addicts, so many lives would be saved. One pill can keep you from getting high for 72 hours and it can also take away the unbelievable pain addicts experience when withdrawing from narcotics. It is also much safer than something like methadone. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a doctor that is licensed to provide this medication and it can be expensive. But I have been on it now for quite some time and it has kept me from relapsing. I'm not saying I don't have cravings. But taking the Subutex every day makes it impossible to get high even if I did slip up. One more thing I wanted to add. Opioid addiction can cause bad teeth just like meth addiction can. When you're too high to take care of your oral hygiene, it doesn't really matter which drug made you that way.

I can tell you think brings to light, very accurately, the balance between an addict trying to get clean and needing support, and not having any trust from those that can provide it. It's so accurate, so balanced, and ultimately demonstrates the broad impact that addiction has on everyone in the addict's universe. And....shut up MEG! 😉

The previous reviewer complained that Rodrigo García's "Four Good Days" didn't go far enough in depicting its subject matter.

Of course it didn't. It's a movie, for crying out loud. "Schindler's List" couldn't fully depict the horrors of the Nazis' actions, and "12 Years a Slave" couldn't fully depict the brutality of slavery. The point is to give the viewer an idea of the misery that addicts and their families experience. It certainly gave me an idea of that. I recommend it.

This film is really touching. It tells the horrible struggles of both the addict and the family members. The story is raw and real. I think it's really worth watching.

This is a great attempt and Kunis , Close, and Root are magnificent.

BUT, it still does not go far enough in depicting the true horrors of detoxing. All the sweat, emesis and excreta are missing. All that crap that addicts families go through..This film just isn't ugly enough to frighten and shock everyone as they should be.

My Review - Four Good Days My Rating 6.5

Superb performances by Glenn Close as Deb a mother in crisis and confusion due to her daughter's addicted to heroine who returns home pleading for shelter and money while only a whisker away from total self destruction.

Deb has experienced this scenario with her daughter before with all the broken promises deception lies and thieving that a desperate addict puts a family though. She loves her daughter Molly but hates the addict she has become so is conflicted as to whether to give her another chance at recovery.

Mila Kunos is equally brilliant as the daughter Molly she must have suffered for this role she looks emaciated her eyes are hollow and vacant as a drug addicts eyes would her make up even the rotting teeth convince you this is the look that causes heartbreak to so many families.

Mila Kunos born in Ukrainian was also brilliant as Lily the evil character in the 2010 movie "Black Swan" .

A simple synopsis of the story is that a mother helps her daughter work through four crucial days of recovery from substance abuse.

The reason my Rating is a bit low not too low just average is that I've seen this storyline before and with much better or convincing scriptwriting.

I'm thinking of two similar films that outshine "Four Good Days ." the 2018 movie "Beautiful Boy ." starring Tim Carell and Timothée Chalamet as Nic Cheff .

Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.

The other film on the same subject that I want to mention is the 2018 movie "Ben is Back." Starring Lucas Hedges and Julia Roberts it also has a similar plot of a drug addicted teenage who boy shows up unexpectedly at his family's home on Christmas Eve.

My Rating no way reflects a negative view of Glenn Close or Mila Kunos or their performances with a better script they could be award winning roles.

The script lost me when in a Supermarket scene mother Deb and Molly her daughter who is only 2 days off a heroine binge meet an acquaintance who incredibly says Molly looks well and invites her to speak next day to a class of high school students to tell them about her experience,strength and hope.

The scene seemed totally ridiculous to me because A- Molly looks like death warmed up and B what School would allow a heroine addict only 2 days clean anywhere near High School students.

Also the horrific drug dealers house scene where Deb follows her daughter in an attempt to stop her using again is so over the top it was like a horror scene from "Seven" it seemed to me a vain attempt to over sensationalise the seriousness of drug addiction. It is of course one of most serious problems of the modern age but in my view this scene just didn't fit the story I doubt anyone would leave that house alive.

Summing up for me "Four Good Days "an average movie with above average performances.

The story of "Four Good Days ." is based on true characters and I was pleased to read that as of 2021, Amanda Wendler (on whom this film was based) has been clean for 4 years. She and her mother Libby Andler now advocate for addicts and their families their picture appears just at the start of the credits.

I work in EMS and don't see this side of heroin addiction very often. It's pretty touching and hopefully is able to impact someone out there. Definitely a new role for Mila Kunis. It was hard to see her in a different role but I think she did good. Worth the watch if you need a break from the everyday super hero movies!

I was hooked on heroin for 10 years also....and I went through everything that was depicted in this movie. So stick your misrepresentation up your ass.... Oxy users... Brilliant performances by all. Don't let these Opiate users reviews wreck watching a masterpiece.

Greetings again from the darkness. Drug addiction provides bountiful harvesting for emotional message movies, though I'll admit to some difficulty in relating to the subject matter. Writer-director Rodrigo Garcia (ALBERT NOBBS, 2011) has worked with co-writer Eli Saslow to adapt Saslow's 2016 Washington Post article, "How's Amanda: A story of truth, lies and American Addiction". It's an all-too-common tale of how addiction ruins lives and tears families apart. If not for two strong lead performances, Garcia's latest movie would be just 'another log on the fire'.

The filmmaker has re-teamed with his ALBERT NOBBS star, Glenn Close, who plays Deb, mother to Molly (Mila Kunis), a 10 year drug addict who shows up at mom's house asking for help "getting clean". Of course, mom has heard this too many times over the years. See, Molly has not only stolen from her mother and lied to her frequently, but she's also been through detox/rehab 14 times over those 10 years. Deb initially refuses to let Molly in the house, but relents the next morning and drives her straight to the detox center. The doctor tells her she qualifies for a new magic shot that will block the drug cravings and effects if she can stay clean for four days (hence the film's title). Any drugs in the system will cause complications, and likely prove fatal.

So Deb babysits Molly, who we learn has two kids by her ex-husband, Sean (Joshua Leonard). Turns out, he's not such a great guy either. I'm certainly no expert, but it appears to me that Ms. Kunis goes all-in as an addict, replete with rotted teeth, damaged skin, and an attitude that warrants a swift kick. Ms. Kunis was excellent in BLACK SWAN (2010), but it seems she spends most of her time in comedies. She proves again that she has some dramatic chops, and hopefully will continue to pursue more serious roles. Ms. Close, who recently set the record for futility by becoming the first actor with 8 Oscar nominations and no wins, dons yet another terrible wig (ala HILLBILLY ELEGY, 2020) and works very hard to create a full-fledged mother from an underwritten character. The film briefly dabbles with the mother-daughter history of abandonment, but never digs deep enough for real meaning.

Stephen Root is given little to do as Deb's second husband, and Sam Hemmings has one good scene as Molly's dad who is confronted by Deb. Clichés abound in the story, yet the underlying message of a parent who refuses to give up on their kid, even when every time the result is disappointment, is grounded in reality. It's certainly no TRAINSPOTTING (1996) as far as depressing drug addiction stories, but the two leads make it watchable.

In theaters April 30, 2021.

As it is with most movies about opiate addiction, this one has a very unrealistic overview of what the detox process actually looks like. They make it look like a cakewalk with her in a dentist chair and jumping around with her kids 5 days into recovery. Very unlikely. I am a recovering addict of 8 years and that hardly measures up to my narrative! She claimed to be using heroin and methadone, let me just tell you when I detoxed off of methadone, I literally laid on my couch for 2 solid weeks unable to sleep, eat, move, even watch tv. I laid in a ball and wept. You dont even BEGIN to feel better until after AT LEAST 2 weeks. Heroin is a very similar detox, just slightly shorter. From either one it takes several months to start feeling somewhat normal and several years to feel completely normal, if ever. I dont think any film could ever fully convey the actuality of what it's like, but many have done it much better (The Basketball Diaries comes to mind). Anyone saying the detox was spot on was probably only using synthetic opiates such as oxycodone. BIG difference! Oh and to the reviewer who gave this 1 star, noting that this film is filled with harmful misinformation about 'forcing the patient to go through an unnecessarily painful withdrawal', suggesting the doctor should have offered her methadone, and that her makeup was way off, your review is filled with harmful misinformation. Methadone is the WORST thing to do for addiction. It is just swapping one drug for an even worse drug. One that, might I add, costs more than most people's car payment and isnt covered by even the best insurance. And if you ever decide to ACTUALLY get clean somewhere down the road, it's a far more painful detox than heroin, as it takes twice as long. Getting clean IS PAINFUL! And her makeup was actually pretty spot on for someone on heroin and living on the streets for 10 years. Addiction is UGLY!

I found the premise of the film, revolving around 'the shot', somewhat aggravating. It sends a bad message IMO. Giving outsiders some inclination that it is some miracle that keeps people sober. That it completely takes away the cravings. As long as she can get through these 4 'good' days (still confused about the title, as nothing is good about early recovery) shes made it and will never be tempted to use again and live happily ever after. I swear half the dialogue in this film is her or her mom saying "just ... more days" . Well, it doesnt work like that. If it did, drug addiction would go down, not grow at an exponential rate as it is. Because every addict would do anything for a miracle. Unfortunately, nothing gets rid of cravings except time. And a whole lot of it. Believing in this bs 'antidote' is a surefire way of relapsing. Only willpower and a strong support system keeps you sober. Another thing I found to be off was her naivety about addiction, the shot, her options for getting and staying sober, such as going into an inpatient treatment or at least outpatient. For someone who's been to detox 14 times she should have been much more aware of such things. It seemed like her actual recovery played a very small role for a film revolved around recovery. There was way too much narrative around the shot.

In other aspects of the movie, apart from the story itself, the acting was quite good. Mom was a little over-the-top at times. But I suppose some people might act like that. Hard to believe in Mila Kunis in a role like this but she did it well. It took me 20 minutes to even realize it was her. As stated earlier I think her makeup did the role justice. I have seen plenty of opiate addicts have 'meth' teeth (hell I've seen weed addicts with rotted teeth), as it's not the meth that rots your teeth it's the malnutrition, dry mouth, and lack of oral care. Which go hand in hand with every drug. It's just most notable with meth because you tend to not eat or sleep, so the malnutrition and dry mouth are more prevalant than with other drugs. 5 out 10 for the acting. The story was too rushed and sent a disillusioned message.

Coming from someone who has worked in the addiction field in just about every capacity as well as dealt with it in my personal life I feel this is a very accurate depiction of addiction. From the conflicted mother trying not to enable her kid but not being able to trust a word that comes out of her mouth. To the addict who wants to get clean but continues to struggle despite the disgust she has for her addiction. It's so accurate it makes me cringe. Phenomenal acting. The mother trying to control every aspect of the addicts life and just falling short is just way too accurate.

Lighthearted, but gripping tale of a drug addict (Mila Kunis) trying to come clean with the help of her mother (Glenn Close).

The bad: this drug addict story is portrayed in a bit too lighthearted style for my personal taste, because we dont get to see much real pain and repulsive recklessness, which comes along with drug addicted behaviour. But on the other hand, many viewers could like this movie, BECAUSE of that lighthearted touch in direction style.

The good: this is a really decent drama about drug addiction. Good acting performances by Glenn Close and Mila Kunis. It is beyond me why this movie has gotten so little attention. Corona?

I would definitely recommend this movie. Dont expect brilliance though, but you can expect really good acting and a really decent story with true to life characters... and with some genuine touching moments of motherly love for her dependent drug addicted daughter.

How could a loving mother turn her daughter away from her doorstep? Well,, ask the parent of a drug addict.

Molly has gone through detox 14 times before. What is going to make the 15th time different? When the doctor tells her that she can get a shot that will not allow her to get high, even if she takes heroin,, that is the difference this time. Only problem is that Molly has to be clean for a full week before taking the shot. Can Molly make it that long?

Wow,, stunning performances by Close and Kunis. Where we've seen many of those from Close,,, Kunis brings a quite believeable performance as a heroin addict. Not that I'm completely shocked by that,, but she's not exactly playing Meg Griffin in this movie, lol.

'Four good days' is nothing if not a vehicle for Mila Kunis and Glenn Close. Whatever the size or tone of the parts, both are incredible actors and have demonstrated their skills time and again. This is easily the least glamorous role Kunis has ever taken on, and Close has likewise had few roles that seemed so down to earth. Both wield strong nuance and depth in their performances, realizing Molly and Deb with every ounce of emotion and range they possess. It's a joy to watch them here, and gratifyingly, they dominate the screen at almost all times. To that point, commendations as well to the makeup, hair, and wardrobe departments for their fine work in actualizing these characters.

I wish I could give further additional praise, but I find myself a bit at odds. I'm very much a fan of both stars. Yet there's a point to be made that the movie is maybe too melodramatic and awash in sentimentality for its own good. To no small extent, 'Four good days' feels like Oscar bait, a feature designed from the bottom up to tug at the heartstrings and score accolades for its stars, or some element of its craftsmanship. Plenty of other movies have told similar stories, just as if not more harrowing, but with a more plainspoken, understated thrust that makes them more genuine, heartfelt, and impactful, and helps them stand out all the more. The pointedly dramatic flair laid heavily upon this screenplay makes it feel all too familiar to countless other movies, to its detriment.

This is all the more unfortunate because the screenplay is based on actual events, and it's a tale that plays out time and again around the world. Passing shots of a surrounding nondescript cityscape accentuate that universality, and how despite all the grandeur of civilization we still allow it to transpire without advancing the tools or methods we use in the face of it. There are critical themes and ideas buried somewhere within this feature, but they are subsumed by the camera's true focus. There was no need to dress up the production around a narrative that speaks volumes by itself. For as unquestionably powerful as Kunis and Close are, the movie becomes not the story of Deb and her daughter, not the story of the opioid epidemic, but the story of two world-class actors dramatizing that reality for us. There's a distinct difference, and I've never felt it so clearly in a film as I do here.

This isn't bad - it is, in fact, enjoyable, if purposefully uncomfortable. It's a pleasure to watch its leads exercise their craft, and that's good, because the movie didn't pour substantial energy or resources into much of anything else. Honestly, I wanted to like 'Four good days' more than I do; would that this film were less about Mila Kunis and Glenn Close, and more about the characters and their struggles.

I am a crisis/detox behavioral health technician and I believe this movie hit the nail on the head. I work with all kinds of drug addicts, patients and co-workers that were addicts. Most of which are really close friends.

I think the movie perfectly portrays a person that wants to get clean and is trying really hard to do so. I also think it perfectly portrayed a mother who really wanted to help despite being burned multiple times and somewhat cautious of trusting or being 100% supportive. And the whole movie is not in the trailer. You need to watch the movie to put the puzzle together.

I believe that most of the reviews that are seen on here are from people that have never used heroin (which is led to by using opioids), or have never used meth (which she also said she used), have either never worked with or 100% supported someone detoxing off of drugs, or are stereotyping because they think they know what they're talking about despite not knowing anything about the symptoms of all drugs.

And yes real life detoxing looks exactly the way it looks in the movie. Detoxing can go on for multiple days depending on how much you're taking, how often, and for how long you have been using. Yes there are medications like methadone to help but a lot of patients go to clinics but come to detox because they are high on another substance.

I had tears in my eyes from the beginning of this movie. When it was over the flashes from my past were going through my head. My first thought " I have to have my mother watch this with me, she cannot see this without me there"! Now, it was not always that way, see I became clean from using literally EVERY I could get my hands on and our relationship suffered tremendously. My only true love from the first time ( I didn't know what it was) HEROIN. It was everything! My love, soul, heartbreak, emotional blanket, my lover, my kiss, my pain, I mean it was EVERYTHING! This story isn't about her getting clean in my eyes, it's about all the pain that happens when you are the parent or the child and have seen this first hand or been there. I got sober at 18...almost 19. My mother and I today are so amazing but I still sometimes look at her and have to stop myself from tearing up. I put her into actual living hell. I'm 40 years old now. I haven't touched heroin once since the day I woke up and decided that was it. This movie moved me in so many ways.....the end.

This film portrays a character who does not receive effective treatment for her opioid use but that is not clear to the casual viewer at all. Instead of portraying a Doctor who appropriately recommends multiple medications to treat this individual's addiction (i.e., offering methadone and buprenorphine as options too), we see a provider offer only one medication and force the patient to go through a painful and unnecessary withdrawal that could have been avoided with other medicines. The general public will take away the untrue message that opioid addiction treatment is physically painful and ineffective. The make up and teeth worn by Kunis also perpetuate harmful stigma toward people who use drugs. People who are addicted to opioids can and do look all kinds of ways, including like Kunis when she's not in this ridiculous make up. In the future Hollywood should actually include experts in addiction medicine and people who use drugs as expert consultants to avoid such an embarrassing film.

Sometimes a film comes along that suffers from not enough story to come by, being based on a true story, or simply trying too hard to expand a simple premise. Four Good Days is one of the latest true stories to be released and while everything about it felt like it was made by a team who cared, I didn't think it completely worked as a narrative feature. When you have devoted performances, you can easily extend the length of your film, especially if they're carrying it well on their shoulders. With that said, here's why I believe Four Good Days doesn't really warrant a recommendation, even though you'll appreciate the film if you were to still give it a go.

After many years of drug addictions, Molly (Mila Kunis) returns home to seek help from her mother, Deb (Glenn Close), who at this point, wants nothing more to do with her. This set-up works perfectly for a film that will inevitably have a few emotional gut punches along the way. As I said, Kunis and Close really do carry this film from start to finish and I've never seen Kunis go as far, dramatically, as she did here, so props to her for that as well. There's nothing stellar here in terms of storytelling or performances, but I walked away from this movie feeling that I watched something that way put together by people who cared about the subject matter.

The road to recovery has been a story that many, many films have explored over the years, but too many of them feel like they're following the same formula as the last. Yes, this film cares deeply about the core characters and I'm sure this true story played out similarly, but too many films have this tone and feel when dealing with things of this nature. By a certain point, I began to see where it was heading and it ended up there without any big surprises. A great story does not always make a great movie and I think Four Good Days is a perfect example for that argument. It has all the makings for a wonderful drama, but it really felt like the filmmakers were stretching this material pretty far.

I can't get into too much detail with this review, particularly because the film begins in a bad place and leaves you hoping that the film will end in a much better place, which isn't enough. You either buy the characters and performances that will eventually make you emotional, or the movie won't work for you, it's really that simple for this one. There's nothing groundbreaking in terms of screenplay, cinematography, or even directing, so it truly did come down to whether or not these performers could take you on this journey. This was a more simplistic review from my end, but I just didn't feel that a breakdown was warranted here. It works emotionally, but it never goes further. It's far from a bad movie, but so much potential is wasted as well.