Watch Ordinary Days

"Ordinary Days" is a charming indie film from 2017 that explores the intersections of four seemingly unconnected lives in New York City. The film stars Jacqueline Byers as Claire, a graduate student struggling to find inspiration for her thesis on Virginia Woolf, and Michael Xavier as Jason, a frustrated musician struggling to make a name for himself. Rounding out the ensemble are Torri Higginson as Deb, a therapist struggling to connect with her patients, and Joris Jarsky as Warren, a simple-minded construction worker struggling to keep his life on track.

The film is divided into four distinct segments, each focusing on one of the main characters as their paths begin to cross and intertwine. Claire's storyline follows her as she starts a new job at a small bookstore and strikes up a friendship with the store's owner, played by the delightful Kyle Gatehouse. Meanwhile, Jason's journey takes him from a failed audition to a chance encounter with a famous musician played by Richard Clarkin, who offers him a shot at success. Deb's section of the film sees her struggling to reconcile her work as a therapist with her own personal demons, while Warren's story is a bittersweet tale of a man trying to make the best of a difficult situation.

The beauty of "Ordinary Days" lies in its ability to weave these disparate stories together into a cohesive whole, using chance encounters and happenstance to reveal the hidden connections between the characters. The film is a celebration of the small moments that make up our lives, from a chance meeting on the street to a heartfelt conversation over a cup of coffee. It's a film that finds beauty in the everyday and reminds us that even the most ordinary of days can contain moments of magic and wonder.

One of the strengths of "Ordinary Days" is its cast, who all deliver nuanced and heartfelt performances. Byers is a standout as Claire, capturing the character's vulnerability and joie de vivre with ease. Xavier is charismatic as always, playing his character's frustration and ambition with equal skill. Higginson brings a groundedness to her role as Deb, while Jarsky is a revelation as Warren, imbuing the character with a fragile dignity that makes him impossible not to root for.

The film also benefits from the strong direction of Jordan Canning, who keeps the pace brisk and the tone light without sacrificing emotional depth. Canning's use of New York City as a backdrop is particularly effective, capturing both the hustle and bustle of the city and the quieter, more intimate moments that take place within it. The film's color palette, which favors warm browns and greens, gives it a cozy, comforting feel that's perfectly suited to its themes of connection and community.

At its core, "Ordinary Days" is a film about the importance of human connection, and the ways in which our lives are intertwined with those around us, whether we realize it or not. It's a film that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the everyday, and reminds us to cherish each moment we have on this earth. Though it may not have the flash and spectacle of a summer blockbuster, "Ordinary Days" is a film that will linger with you long after the credits have rolled, a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.

Ordinary Days is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.