"Nine Days" is a Wonderful and Unique Debut for First-Time Director Edson Oda - Definitely Worth Checking Out

 

Writer/Director Edson Oda makes his feature debut with the existentially moving film Nine Days. I was intrigued by the concept outlined in the trailer and went in with an open mind. What I left with was a greater understanding for the importance of living your life to the fullest, and the precious blessing of being true to who you are. The film tells the story of Will (Winston Duke), a recluse who is designated as an interviewer of souls who are looking for the potential at living a mortal life. Will lives in a house out in the middle of nowhere, on what is probably some outer plane of existence, though that's never made clear. He is often visited by Kyo (Benedict Wong), a premortal being who is tasked to evaluate Will's choices for mortality. Will spends his "days" observing his chosen "winners," taking note of important events, and recording those moments on VHS tapes. 

The interview process is what drives most of the narrative. When a slot opens in Will's stewardship, he must interview new souls to take that spot. These souls range in existence from four hours to four minutes, and they each possess their own personalities and traits, free from the restrictive and jaded view of mortal life. Will asks hypothetical questions, judging their answers to see if they meet the necessary requirements needed to obtain a chance at living. He extends them opportunities to observe those already living by watching them all play out on television, tasked to focus on things or events that interest them, or make them feel uncomfortable. These, and more, help Will gauge his next subject, a process that lasts nine days - at least for the one that is chosen. Some don't last that long, and their departure from the program is heartbreaking. Will is the central character of this piece and what makes him so compelling is that he's reeling from the heavy weight of his job, as well as the dark cloud of emotion left from the prodigy that vacated the empty slot. This obviously affects his job and decisions, making for really compelling and introspective storytelling.

The writing and direction in this little independent movie is really top notch. Edson Oda is a talent worth watching and taking note of, because what he presents with Nine Days is an existential exploration into what it means to be human, and how personal perspectives and choices shape one's experiences, even if we don't understand how or why. Most of Will's new batch of potential candidates are fairly straight-forward, but he is challenged along the way by Emma (Zazie Beetz), who questions everything and seems to think beyond just what's in front of her. Her approach to the program frustrates Will, and in turn he is left to question his own perspectives, ideas, and self-worth.

This movie is filled with wonderfully effective visual imagery. There are long stretches where nothing is said and you watch events play out in masterfully crafted ways. All the performances are really great and unique; both Zazie Beetz and Benedict Wong give really great and emotional supportive performances, but it's Winston Duke who surprised me the most. He does such a good job of playing a man with his emotions so close to his chest that though he remains neutral and stoic, you can tell there's something brimming under the surface. When he gets the opportunity to confront those emotions, it's a truly powerful and cathartic moment, and Duke plays it so authentic and true that I couldn't help but be moved by it. I cannot champion his performance enough.

There's a lot of big, bombastic films to see at the theaters now, and that's awesome. But I highly recommend checking this one out if you're looking for a palate cleanser from all the epicness. Nine Days is a quiet film, a powerful story told in a really unique and introspective way. I really enjoyed my time with this narrative, and I think you will, too, if you give it a chance.