Amazon's '56 Days' Thriller Fails to Captivate

Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in an overly chilly erotic murder mystery that never fully engages the viewer.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The new Prime Video thriller "56 Days," based on Catherine Ryan Howard's novel, is a forgettable and underwhelming experience, despite the presence of stars Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia. The story follows a murder mystery, but the execution lacks the necessary tension and intrigue to fully captivate the audience.

Why it matters

As a high-profile streaming release, "56 Days" represents a missed opportunity to deliver a compelling erotic thriller that could have resonated with viewers. The lukewarm reception to the film highlights the challenges of adapting popular novels into engaging on-screen experiences.

The details

The film centers around a decomposing body found in a luxury building, with the police investigation revealing a complex web of secrets and lies. However, the pacing and character development fail to generate the level of suspense and intrigue expected from the genre, leaving the viewer unsatisfied.

  • The film premiered on Prime Video on February 18, 2026.

The players

Dove Cameron

An American actress and singer who stars in the lead role of the film.

Avan Jogia

A Canadian actor who co-stars alongside Dove Cameron in the film.

Catherine Ryan Howard

The author whose bestselling novel "56 Days" was adapted for the Prime Video thriller.

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What they’re saying

“It's a pretty face in slick outfits, charming enough to distract you for a little while, but ultimately just parroting the same old lines you've heard a million times already.”

— Angie Han

The takeaway

While the premise of "56 Days" holds promise, the film's execution fails to captivate the audience, highlighting the challenges of adapting popular novels into engaging on-screen experiences. The lukewarm reception serves as a reminder that even with talented actors, a compelling story is essential for a successful thriller.