A Day and a Half Review: Is This Swedish Thriller Worth Your Time?

Looking for a new crime thriller to watch on Netflix? There is a new release that's got all the drama and mystery but may just be a movie that's going to fall flat.

A Day And A Half:

The action thriller, A Day and a Half made its big debut back in 2023.

While it has its strong moments with an intriguing storyline!

There are times it can leave you with more questions than answers and wondering if the overall experience will really pay off. You see, the main theme of this Swedish film comes from a true story! Something that the director Fares Fares, has been inspired by for some time now!

There is no way around it: Fares Fares also makes his acting debut with the lead role, the incredible character of Lukas who serves as a hostage negotiator for the Swedish Police Department! However, it was actually VogueScandinavia that gave him the big push as an artist.

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The Story Behind A Day And A Half

Lukas (Fares Fares) walking out of a police car in A Day and a Half. Image

You'll find out more about why "Fares Fares" took this on with some wild intentions! He wasn't only interested in making an amazing action film. What makes it even better, he got to use that knowledge from "The Wheel of Time." To pull some amazing inspiration and get everyone involved to make something spectacular.

In his early days of inspiration Fares Fares read an article back in 2008 that led him on his path as an artist. A real life case was brought into this movie, though it was heavily edited and adapted! In the film, you're thrown into the middle of a hostage situation and this is really what sets things in motion.

Artan is the star, the man behind the action. Artan is played by Alexej Manvalov and shows audiences a side to the "kidnapper" you may never have seen before!
He gets everyone worried by demanding they take him on a road trip across the country!
It seems he wants a certain kind of car, with the intent to get his family.
Fares Fares plays the negotiator and the person who gets thrust into the line of fire.
That also means this makes it even more intense for viewers and we get to meet his character, Louise, and she's no ordinary character.
The actress who plays this powerful, vulnerable role is Alma Pöysti.

If this has got you interested, it really shows why there are lots of reasons why this might not be the perfect show.

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The Flaws In The Film

You might think the plot line might work. There's something about those moments where these characters who seem like the most polar opposites, find common ground, making for a compelling, if not unpredictable, story line!

What happens when a "kidnapper" comes to realize that he might need to work with a hostage negotiator.
This is just the kind of interesting, bizarre scenario that can happen. But not as unique or interesting, in this instance.
Fares Fares as "Lukas," goes way beyond that role as we learn a lot more about this "Lukas" character, making it a lot more insightful but also adding elements of tension!

You'll definitely see some intense elements throughout "A Day and a Half!"

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Why The Movie Might Be A Miss:

While "A Day And A Half" does have some good points. The story was pretty unique but the film ends up feeling so uninspired and kind of falls into that weird category of it not being all that intense! It has these major shifts, meaning viewers may have no idea how this whole show is going to go. While there is a big focus on real life, they can also get to be more about politics, they are very small parts and leave you questioning.

You are in the middle of an incredible road trip. That has tension, and all of the exciting emotions of getting to know those people, with their secrets, and finding the meaning behind a kidnap scene!

It appears "A Day And A Half" has an array of talented stars, however, the film doesn't seem to really pull it all together. If there are so many choices. There really isn't a big incentive to make it your top choice, so viewers might want to sit out on "A Day And A Half," It isn't a complete miss, as the experience is decent and offers some big emotional moments, however, for some viewers it just isn't going to cut it.

And, at least, if you get through this film it was truly unique!

A Day and a Half Review: Is This Swedish Thriller Worth Your Time?

A Day And A Half:

The Story Behind A Day And A Half

The Flaws In The Film

Why The Movie Might Be A Miss:

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