A reclusive man conducts a series of interviews with human souls for a chance to be born.
Pam says:
Seeing this at Sundance 2020 and not having seen it since, it’s my sincere hope that they did a little editing to help move this narrative along. The premise, an intriguing one, allows 5 souls to interview for the opportunity to be born into a human life. These souls, comprised of a variety of attributes and personified by the actors in their adult forms to help us better see the likes of who these souls will become. Will (Winston Duke) is the judge, jury, and literally the executioner as one by one the souls audition and interview, vying for one position available. Those who are dismissed go away in a heartbreakingly crushing way. Will’s baggage, as you can imagine, influences his choices as he recounts his own life and a tragic error he made as this decision-maker. We are privy to all of this as he gazes upon stacked sets of old-style television sets, tuned into various current soul placements and Will’s former error.
Unfortunately, the continuous somber tone throughout the film becomes rather overwhelming and drags the entire pace of the film down. It’s an extraordinary existential premise with incredible promise, but it is the editing that ultimately compromises the film. The characters are so unique which connects us and even repels us in the case of “Kane” portrayed by the talented Bill Skarsgard, that we hang on to find out who will become the next baby’s soul. We also are missing integral pieces of Will’s life and transition into this role, leaving too many questions unanswered. These elements are all necessary for us to gain and maintain a connection to Will.
In the end, “Nine Days” is an intriguingly unique story with great performances which shine in the darkness of uncertainty. Writer and director Edson Oda takes a chance with this one and while it misses a few notes, the premise–a great companion piece to Pixar’s “Soul”–will make you look within and wonder why you are the way you are. And as my then 2 and 3 year old daughter used to say to me, “I remember looking for you and chose you to be my mom.” It makes me wonder…
2 1/2 Stars
