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.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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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 (IMDb)

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.