“A Day and a Half” (2023) Movie on Netflix. Review: A good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle

A Day and a Half
Molly Se-kyung
Molly Se-kyung

A Day and a Half” is a Swedish thriller directed by Fares Fares, who also stars in the film. The film follows a man who kidnaps his estranged wife in a desperate bid to reunite with his daughter.

“A Day and a Half” is a Swedish thriller with a few characters, but with a lot of underlying conflict that goes beyond the crime. The story revolves around a man who kidnaps his ex-partner, who has custody of their child. Artan, the clear culprit of the kidnapping, has a whole history waiting to be revealed.

A Day and a Half
A Day and a Half

“A Day and a Half” Movie Review

This film may not impress with its budget or technical prowess, but it delves deep into human conflict, where not everything is as it seems. It cautions against jumping to conclusions and warns that we may not find any conclusion other than pain, as a situation like this will not lead to a happy ending.
What stands out is the well-crafted screenplay, which gradually introduces us to the conflict and keeps the tension alive. The director himself plays one of the leading roles as a police officer. “A Day and a Half” is a well-executed film that relies on internal tension rather than car chases, sudden plot twists, or special effects. It is a thriller that focuses on the human aspect, with Alexei Manvelov carrying the weight of the film as the presumed criminal, delivering a believable performance that resonates with the audience.

Alma Pöysti faces a more challenging and cold interpretation, successfully portraying a character with a double game, showcasing her acting skills.

“A Day and a Half” maintains a good pace throughout, but it aims to be more of a European-style film rather than a Hollywood thriller. It presents characters that go beyond their immediate utility or purpose.

Our Opinion

“A Day and a Half” is a good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle due to its limited resources. It has its own style but lacks the impact to remain memorable in our minds.

Release Date

September 1, 2023

Where to Watch A Day and a Half

Netflix

Movie Trailer

YouTube video
A Day and a Half

The Cast

"A Day and a Half" (2023) Movie on Netflix. Review: A good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle
Alexej Manvelov
"A Day and a Half" (2023) Movie on Netflix. Review: A good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle
Fares Fares
"A Day and a Half" (2023) Movie on Netflix. Review: A good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle
Alma Pöysti
"A Day and a Half" (2023) Movie on Netflix. Review: A good thriller that plays to its strengths, avoiding flashy effects and spectacle
Stina Ekblad

Annika Hallin
Daniel Guldstrand
Annica Liljeblad
Richard Forsgren
Bella Klaus

A Day and a Half
A Day and a Half
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Molly Se-kyung is a novelist and film and television critic. She is also in charge of the style sections.
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