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Four Good Days

Four Good Days is a 2020 American drama film directed by Rodrigo García.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Four Good Days is a 2020 American drama film directed by Rodrigo García. It stars Glenn Close and Mila Kunis and is based on a 2016 Washington Post article by Eli Saslow about addiction and recovery. The film premiered at Sundance in January 2020 and was later released in theatres and on video on demand in 2021.

Premise

The film centres on Deb and her estranged daughter Molly as they confront Molly's struggle with substance abuse and the conditions for receiving treatment. The story unfolds over four critical days of recovery.

Production and source material

Four Good Days adapts Eli Saslow's 2016 Washington Post article "How's Amanda? A Story of Truth, Lies and an American Addiction." Rodrigo García co-wrote the screenplay and directed the film.

Release

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020. Vertical Entertainment released it in limited theatres on April 30, 2021, followed by video on demand on May 21, 2021.

Reception and awards

The film's original song "Somehow You Do" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 94th Academy Awards, giving the film its most notable awards recognition.

Key facts

  • Based on a Washington Post article by Eli Saslow.
  • Directed and produced by Rodrigo García.
  • Premiered at Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020.
  • Released in limited theatres on April 30, 2021 and VOD on May 21, 2021.
  • Song 'Somehow You Do' nominated for Best Original Song at the 94th Academy Awards.
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Canadian context

The film was available in Canada through digital and streaming release windows, and IMDb lists a Canadian release date of May 21, 2021.[3]

Frequently asked questions

What is Four Good Days about?
It is about a mother helping her daughter through four critical days of recovery from substance abuse.
Who directed Four Good Days?
Rodrigo García directed the film.
Who stars in Four Good Days?
The film stars Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, and Stephen Root.
What is Four Good Days based on?
It is based on Eli Saslow's Washington Post article "How's Amanda? A Story of Truth, Lies and an American Addiction."
When was Four Good Days released?
It premiered at Sundance on January 25, 2020, and was released in theatres in April 2021.
Did Four Good Days receive any award nominations?
Yes. "Somehow You Do" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 94th Academy Awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Good_Days
    Supports: Director, premise, source material, Sundance premiere, release dates, and Academy Award song nomination.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/four_good_days
    Supports: Synopsis, director, screenwriter, cast, distributor, genre, runtime, and release information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10344522/
    Supports: Runtime, genre, alternate title, and Canadian release date.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81440801
    Supports: Brief plot description and principal cast.