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Sometimes, a television show doesn’t necessitate to be *good* to be thoroughly enjoyable. Amazon Prime Video’s new thriller, 56 Days, based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Howard, falls squarely into that category. It’s a magnificently campy, often preposterous ride that embraces its own absurdity, making for a viewing experience that’s simultaneously frustrating and addictive. The series, a twisty mystery centered around a suspicious death, is a prime example of a show that knows exactly what it is – and isn’t afraid to lean into it.
The story unfolds with a dual timeline. We’re introduced to Ciara (Dove Cameron) and Oliver (Avan Jogia), who meet in a Boston organic market and quickly become entangled in a whirlwind romance. Their connection feels immediately…off. Both characters exude a level of calculated charm that suggests something sinister is brewing beneath the surface. Intercut with this blossoming, yet unsettling, relationship are scenes of a police investigation into a body discovered in an apartment, left in an advanced state of decomposition. The question isn’t *if* something went wrong, but *what* and *who* is responsible.
One of the most striking choices made in adapting Howard’s novel is the relocation of the story from Dublin to Boston. This shift, as noted by critics, effectively strips the narrative of its Irish identity. The change is particularly jarring in the pronunciation of the heroine’s name. Ciara introduces herself as “See-ar-a,” a detail that feels less like a character choice and more like a missed opportunity to embrace the source material’s cultural roots. Thankfully, the author avoided naming the protagonist Meadbh, which could have led to further pronunciation mishaps.
56 Days doesn’t shy away from melodrama. Cameron and Jogia deliver performances that are intentionally over-the-top, portraying characters who are clearly up to no good. The series draws comparisons to Netflix’s You, a psychological thriller known for its unhinged portrayal of a sympathetic psychopath and Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho, with its darkly satirical exploration of obsession and violence. Yet, 56 Days amplifies the hysteria, resulting in a wildly exaggerated, almost cartoonish, version of the genre.
The show’s willingness to embrace its own excesses is ultimately its greatest strength. Expecting a meticulously crafted mystery would be a mistake. Instead, viewers should buckle up for a soapy, thrilling ride that prioritizes entertainment over realism. The series doesn’t attempt to be high art. it aims to be a captivating, albeit flawed, diversion.
Critics have been divided on the series. Some, like those at Roger Ebert, found it lacking in heat, although others, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, noted the mild sparks between the leads. One reviewer even described it as “one of the worst things I’ve ever watched, and I loved it,” as The Irish Times succinctly put it.
For those seeking a conventional, tightly plotted thriller, 56 Days will likely disappoint. But for viewers willing to embrace the chaos and revel in the over-the-top performances, it offers a uniquely entertaining experience. The series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
As the investigation unfolds, viewers will be left to question the motives of both Ciara and Oliver, and to unravel the truth behind the mysterious death. The series promises a wild ride, and it’s one that’s best enjoyed with a healthy dose of skepticism and a willingness to embrace the absurd.
What are your thoughts on 56 Days? Share your opinions in the comments below!
