Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia's New Thriller '56 Days' Provides a Stylish Yet Flawed Ride on Prime Video
In the world of streaming thrillers, Amazon Prime Video's latest offering, 56 Days, brings together stars Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia in a tale of love, lies, and lethal consequences. Based on Catherine Ryan Howard's novel and directed by Alethea Jones, Shana Stein, and Lauren Wolkstein, this eight-episode series promises a sexy and suspenseful experience, but only partially delivers on its ambitious premise.
A Whirlwind Romance with Deadly Secrets
The story follows Oliver, played by Avan Jogia, a wealthy and troubled young man, and Ciara, portrayed by Dove Cameron, a seemingly innocent working-class woman. Their fateful meeting at a supermarket deli counter sparks an intense connection, fueled by shared interests and immediate chemistry. Within hours, they are embroiled in a passionate relationship, complete with romantic gestures and steamy encounters in Oliver's luxurious apartment.
However, from the opening scene, viewers are clued into a grim outcome: someone meets a gruesome end in Oliver's bathtub. The narrative cleverly alternates between the couple's whirlwind romance and a present-day murder investigation led by a pair of detectives. As the detectives piece together the events, it becomes clear that neither Oliver nor Ciara are who they claim to be. Oliver hides a dark past, while Ciara pursues a personal mission, leading to a web of deceit that intensifies as their relationship deepens.
Strengths and Weaknesses in Execution
On one hand, 56 Days excels in creating a genuine mystery that keeps audiences guessing until the final episode. The motivations of the characters are well-developed, and the central relationship, despite its deceptions, is compelling. The show boasts a stylish aesthetic, reminiscent of classics like Fatal Attraction, with a shift from the book's Dublin setting to a more cosmopolitan Boston, adding visual appeal.
On the other hand, the series suffers from significant flaws. The dialogue often feels unnatural, prompting questions about realism, and certain scenes intended to be dramatic or sexy instead evoke unintended laughter. For instance, a sexual act performed in front of a Princess Diana mural with an ironic quote highlights the show's occasional tonal missteps. Additionally, the subplot involving the detectives falls flat, lacking depth and causing viewers to yearn for a return to the main storyline.
Star Power and Character Dynamics
The casting of Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia proves to be a highlight. Cameron, known for her Disney roots and edgy music career, brings a fierce intensity to Ciara, while Jogia, transitioning from his Nickelodeon days to darker roles, delivers a nuanced performance as Oliver. Their on-screen chemistry sizzles as they navigate paranoia and hidden agendas, making their twisted connection believable and engaging.
The show leverages sex as a narrative tool, with both characters using intimacy to manipulate and control, adding layers to their complex dynamic. Despite the red flags, their relationship feels authentic, driven by mutual deception and underlying attraction.
Final Verdict and Streaming Details
56 Days is a mixed bag—offering enough suspense and style to make it an enjoyable binge-watch, but hampered by script issues and uneven pacing. The finale ties up loose ends satisfactorily, providing closure without the need for a second season. While not perfect, the series manages to entertain and intrigue, making it a worthwhile addition to Prime Video's thriller lineup.
Released on February 18, 2026, 56 Days is available for streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. With a runtime of eight hour-long episodes, it offers a compact yet flawed journey into a world of romance and ruin.
