24th Day (2004)

Average rating

(58%)

Starring:	James Marsden \| Scott Speedman
Director:	Tony Piccirillo
Studio:	MOSAIC MOVIES
Run time:	92 mins
Genres:	Drama
Languages:	English
Released:	December 20, 2004
Also available on:

Dan is enjoying a night out with his roommate at the local bar when he meets Tom and the two find themselves drunk and back at Tom’s apartment. Things turn tense, however, when Dan realises he’s been there before... five years earlier. Tom recounts that fateful night, and is hurt that Dan doesn’t remember. Immediately uncomfortable, Dan decides to leave, but Tom has other plans. This wasn’t a random meeting – Tom’s been planning this night since his wife died three weeks ago in a car accident shortly after finding out that she had HIV, a disease that Tom unknowingly gave her. And now Tom, a straight man who only strayed once, is holding captive the only man who could have given it to him.

Highest rated reviews

64 out of 64 people found the following review helpful:

a passionate and emotive indie film

blacksmoke from from London, England, 31st December, 2004

It's easy to dismiss James Marsden as yet another Hollywood 'pretty boy' actor. His performances to date have been unchallenging and his movie-choices somewhat formulaic. No doubt his agent holds a very tight rein on the offers that come in. So it comes as a pleasant surprise to find that 24th Day managed to slip under the radar and prove he can not only act but is also willing to take a genuine career risk (albeit calculated, no doubt). 24th Day focuses almost entirely on the two lead actors (Marsden and Scott Speedman). They deliver a passionate and convincing performance in this low-budget indie film, confronting a difficult and complex moral issue. The lack of financing has perhaps forced the Director to present the film in the familiar structure of a play, but in this case it's the perfect technique for a movie that relies on emotional resonance rather than slick editing and forced visual style. 24th Day is an actor's movie and both leads deliver a passionate and convincing performance, proving their aesthetic merits are matched by their genuine talent. The final frame of 24th Day closes with a symbolic visual act of enlightenment for the two lead characters. It's a revelation for the viewer too: a rare opportunity to see young actors try something very different and prove the real quality of their talents. In this case, it paid off. Everyone involved in 24th Day clearly took a risk to produce something quite different. If you think that's a good idea, follow their lead and rent this movie.

Read all highest rated reviews

5 out of 7 people found the following review helpful:

Average thriller with a good moral

Jack Sewell from Midlands, UK, 11th March, 2007

The concept of this movie really attracted me. Guy who has contracted HIV, holds hostage the guy he belives gave it him, while waiting for his test results. If it's negative, he goes free. Positive, he kills him. I had heard so many good things about this and enjoyed other films in the same vain, Death and The Maiden, Hard Candy. This fell flat on it's hype, and I found it no more than a vehicle for the two main actors to do some real acting in an average thriller. It's a shame as the first act was tense and really had me gripped to the edge of my seat. Worth viewing just to break away from the usual rubbish that gay themed films tend to be, and for it's important moral on sexual responsibilty.

Read all highest rated reviews

Most recent reviews

Not bad

Gareth McGaw from Southampton, 13th December, 2006

Based on a play, the film never escapes its theatrical routes, being set mainly in one room. Despite some poor dialogue at the start and some terrible acting from Scott Speedman, this film is quite surprising in its ability to leave a lasting impression, at least for a day or so. Basically Tom is HIV positive and kidnaps Dan believing that Dan gave it to him. The following 90 minutes is a modern morality tale about the nature of sexuality and personal responsibility. Sounds heavy but it actually makes you think. In todays world where STD's are common that can only be a good thing.

Read all recent reviews