Can a comedy-drama navigate the heavy reality of addiction without becoming preachy?

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the year 2000, Sandra Bullock starred as a columnist forced into rehab after a drunken mishap. While the film attempted to balance humor with the gravity of substance abuse, critics were divided on whether it successfully handled its difficult subject matter or simply skimmed the surface.

Directed by Betty Thomas, 28 Days follows Gwen Cummings, a woman whose reckless behavior—including crashing a stolen limousine into a house—leaves her choosing a rehabilitation center over jail time. The narrative explores her resistance to treatment and the trauma of her past, specifically the loss of her mother to an overdose during her childhood.

The film's character study includes a diverse group of patients: a teenage heroin addict named Andrea, a sex addict named Oliver, and a former doctor named Daniel. Gwen's journey is complicated by her boyfriend, Jasper, whose dismissive attitude toward her sobriety creates significant tension. As Gwen begins to engage with the recovery process, she faces the harsh reality of addiction when her roommate, Andrea, dies from an overdose.

Critical reception for the film was largely mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 33% approval rating, with a consensus suggesting the film's approach to its heavy themes felt somewhat superficial and preachy. While some critics like Roger Ebert praised Bullock's vulnerability, others, such as Stephen Holden of The New York Times, felt the film's promise was lost as the story progressed. Despite the critical divide, audiences were more receptive, awarding the film a B+ grade from CinemaScore.

Financially, the film was a moderate success, earning approximately $62,198,945 worldwide. It opened at number two in the United States, earning $10,310,672 during its first weekend across 2,523 screens.

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