Ben Whishaw’s “spectacular” drama hailed as a “masterpiece” is now available to watch in the UK

by

If you made a New Year’s resolution to go to the cinema more often, you’re in luck! A highly-rated new film, Peter Hujar’s Day, starring Ben Whishaw, is now showing in UK cinemas. It’s based on Linda Rosenkrantz’s book of the same name and was released today, January 2nd.

The film takes place on one day in 1974 and depicts a conversation between artist Hannah Wilke (played by Rebecca Hall) and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (played by Andrew Whishaw).

The conversation, where Hujar recounted his experiences with famous writers, was originally recorded on tape and later published as a book by Rosenkrantz. Now, filmmaker Ira Sachs has turned it into a movie.

What to Read Next

Currently, the film has a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 92 reviews. Critics agree that despite taking place in a limited setting, Peter Hujar’s Day feels surprisingly broad and insightful, beautifully capturing the dynamic between Rebecca Hall and Ben Whishaw, both of whom deliver excellent performances.

I recently read a review on The Daily Beast and they absolutely loved it! They said it was a fast-paced 75 minutes of pure, swoon-worthy goodness, calling it ‘spectacular.’ What really stood out to them – and honestly, it sounds amazing – is how it takes a single conversation and builds so much emotional drama from it. It sounds like a really powerful experience.

Critics have praised the film, with Vulture calling it a masterpiece. The Wall Street Journal described the 76-minute movie as a realistic and lively treat, like overhearing a witty and intelligent conversation between two people who are aware their words are being recorded and take it in stride.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is beautifully understated and emotionally powerful, largely thanks to a captivating and nuanced performance by Ben Whishaw. It skillfully manipulates time, making it feel both fluid and expansive.

The show has received five nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards, including for Best Feature, Best Lead Actor (Whishaw), and Best Supporting Actor (Hall). Whishaw has already won an award for his performance, receiving Best Actor at the Gijón International Film Festival.

Hugh Bonneville, known for his role in Paddington, was confirmed late last year to be filming the second season of the popular Netflix series Black Doves. He appears in the show with Keira Knightley, Sarah Lancashire, Kathryn Hunter, and Andrew Buchan.

Ambika Mod, Sam Riley, Babou Ceesay, and Neve Campbell are joining the cast for the next set of episodes.

Peter Hujar’s Day is out now in UK cinemas.

The latest issue of Living Legends is out now, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can purchase ‘Dolly at 80’ at newsagents or online for only £8.99.

Read More

2026-01-03 01:20