Movie Review: Peter Hujar’s Day

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Screened at Stockholm International Film Festival 2025

This film is a thoughtful, slow-paced biopic that feels like a nostalgic look back in time, despite being somewhat distant and detached. It’s well-acted and ultimately intriguing.

The film Peter Hujar’s Day is based on a recently discovered interview. It presents the conversation as a dialogue between two people throughout a single day, moving between locations like an apartment and city streets. Director Ira Sachs has crafted a realistic, evocative, and immersive film that feels like both a biographical snapshot and a glimpse into a specific moment in time.

Although the presentation has been updated, we’ve worked hard to stay true to the spirit of the period. The original interview felt a bit stiff, but this new version is designed to be both engaging and realistic, with a strong visual style and attention to historical detail. Today, with so many podcasts available, the idea of a filmed interview doesn’t seem so unusual.

Films like My Dinner with Andre and The End of the Tour show that movies built around conversations can work well. This new film likely draws inspiration from the popularity of podcasts and a current fondness for vintage styles. In a world where so much content is available online, the idea feels right. However, while the timing is good, the film’s focus on photographer Peter Hujar, his personal circle, and the pop culture of his time makes it feel somewhat out of touch with today’s issues.

This detailed look back will especially appeal to those who remember the era, as it’s filled with references to people from that time. Knowing about Allen Ginsberg and Peter Hujar, and what they did, will enhance your experience. While Hujar does most of the talking, his stories create a fascinating and thoughtful reflection on the past.

“It’s hard to get by just upon a smile…”

Featuring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, Peter Hujar’s Day benefits from the talents of two strong actors in this quiet, personal film. Whishaw resembles Hujar and delivers a compelling performance with a wonderful voice, drawing viewers into the film’s intimate, observational style as he recounts Hujar’s stories. Rebecca Hall plays the interviewer, and while she’s a skilled actress, the role primarily requires her to listen, which doesn’t fully showcase her range.

Even with strong performances and interesting details, it can be frustrating to feel like an outsider. Podcasts rely on sound, but films need a blend of action, dialogue, and visuals to truly connect with viewers. Sadly, the film Peter Hujar’s Day lacks a compelling storyline.

The acting is subtle and relies heavily on conversation. Although the sets and costumes are historically correct, the film struggles to be visually interesting because of the limited locations and the constant talking. It’s hard to get fully involved because the film doesn’t quite capture the feeling of the time period, and the person being interviewed comes across as distant and focused on themselves. The interviewer doesn’t push back much, and the growing connection between them feels forced and artificial rather than genuine.

Despite being a well-intentioned project, this drama doesn’t quite succeed because it relies too heavily on the original interview format and its inherent constraints. Reviving and reimagining an old interview for the screen is an interesting idea, but the film’s specialized topic, slow pace, and lack of energy create a detached and ultimately shallow viewing experience. While the 76-minute runtime is reasonable, the film still feels somewhat drawn out.

This film is stylish and atmospheric, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of compelling drama. If you’re not drawn to its subject matter, it can feel slow and tedious. However, viewers who enjoy thoughtful, retro-inspired art-house films with strong dialogue might appreciate it. Ultimately, Peter Hujar’s Day is an interesting look at a character, but it’s likely to appeal to a limited audience due to its slow pace and self-focus.

The bottom line: Inert

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2025-12-02 20:43