Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- irreverent
- emotionally vulnerable
- reflective movie night
- recovery themed viewing
What critics said
Critics generally found the film’s treatment of alcoholism too light, superficial, and preachy, though Sandra Bullock’s vulnerable lead performance was widely seen as its strongest asset.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gwen enters rehabilitation under court order and must gradually acknowledge that sobriety requires sustained support.
Gwen’s addiction has deeply alienated her older sister Lily, whose wedding becomes the immediate catalyst for confrontation and repair.
The film places Gwen’s hyperactive, resistant personality among staff and patients in a structured rehabilitation facility.
Gwen and Jasper fuel each other’s excessive drinking, making their shared lifestyle incompatible with her survival outside treatment.
Films like 28 Days, and why
When a Man Loves a Woman
Shares a recovery-centered drama, addiction themes, emotional vulnerability, and a balance of humor with serious personal reckoning.
The Lost Weekend
Shares an alcoholism narrative, family strain, rehabilitation themes, and a central performance built around damaged but sympathetic behavior.
Rachel Getting Married
Shares a woman-centered addiction drama with darkly comic touches, relationship consequences, and an ultimately hopeful emotional register.
Movie Details
- Director
- Betty Thomas
- Release Date
- 2000-04-06
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (1117)
Cast
- Sandra Bullock
- Viggo Mortensen
- Dominic West
- Elizabeth Perkins
- Azura Skye
- Steve Buscemi
- Alan Tudyk
- Mike O'Malley
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste
- Reni Santoni
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 28 Days about?
- A reckless New York writer is forced into rehabilitation, where comic resistance gives way to sobriety, accountability, and a difficult redefinition of love.
- What is 28 Days like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 28 Days as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is 28 Days violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in 28 Days as mild.
- What did critics think of 28 Days?
- Critics generally found the film’s treatment of alcoholism too light, superficial, and preachy, though Sandra Bullock’s vulnerable lead performance was widely seen as its strongest asset.
- Which films are like 28 Days?
- Films with a similar feel include When a Man Loves a Woman, The Lost Weekend, and Rachel Getting Married.
- How long is 28 Days?
- 28 Days runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch 28 Days?
- In United States, 28 Days is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
