15 Days

This in some ways feels like a Hollywood type movie that wanted the Indie look. The story immediately feels close to home as the first setting is in a local bar you might find anywhere in America. For some reason, it reminded me of one of my favorite shows of all time, Cheers. It has that immediate feel of "you are where you're supposed to be and with friends". The plight and story of the two leads, Lia and Kali, are also very relatable and reminded me of those early crazy days of Covid lockdown where the world changed forever. Solid story and one where you feel like you're hanging around with long-time friends. Worth a watch.

15 Days, directed with quiet intensity by Robert James, is a timely, tender, and occasionally heartbreaking drama about two best friends caught in the economic and emotional undertow of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Set in the early days of the pandemic, the film captures the stillness of shuttered cities, the deafening silence of empty bars and restaurants, and the quiet resilience of two people desperate to survive.

The story follows Jake and Marcus, longtime friends and co-workers in the bustling service industry-one a bartender, the other a line cook-who suddenly find themselves unemployed when the world comes to a standstill. With bills mounting and uncertainty pressing in like a vice, the two embark on a 15-day quest to find new sources of income, clinging to their friendship as both a lifeline and a mirror reflecting their diverging ways of coping.

What makes 15 Days powerful is its simplicity. Robert James doesn't lean on pandemic clichés or melodrama. Instead, he gives us a grounded, character-driven story full of moments that feel startlingly real-Zoom calls with aging parents, half-hearted job interviews, gigs that feel more exploitative than helpful, and a growing existential fatigue. The film's pacing echoes the pandemic itself: slow, uncertain, with bursts of tension when hope seems either near or completely lost.

The performances are quietly stunning. Jake (played with raw sincerity) and Marcus (the film's emotional anchor) bring their characters to life with understated realism. Their chemistry is believable and lived-in, which adds weight to their shifting dynamic as pressure and desperation creep in.

Cinematographer Lila Monroe uses natural light and sparse urban landscapes to enhance the film's intimacy, while the minimalist score underscores the emotional isolation of the lockdown without ever overwhelming the story.

At its heart, 15 Days is about resilience-not the dramatic, action-hero kind, but the everyday kind. The resilience of showing up, of staying connected, of trying to find humor and meaning when the world feels like it's falling apart. It's a film about friendship in crisis, and how survival sometimes means redefining what matters most.

Verdict: Robert James' 15 Days is a quiet triumph-a character study wrapped in the uncertainty of a global event. It resonates deeply for anyone who lived through 2020, especially those in the overlooked service industry. Poignant, honest, and unflinchingly human.

Rating: 10/10.

What a great and clever take on a really troubling and unbelievable time. A bit awkward at the beginning, and seemingly going in a whole different direction, we were in for a lot of surprises, twists and turns and quite humorous situations. The two leads worked well together and took us on a sometimes hilarious ride. The film did a great job of showing the unfairness and desperation so many people dealt with during the early days of Covid while presenting a very entertaining film. Well worth watching. I found it thought-provoking as well as a very satisfying and interesting viewing experience.

This movie was a lot of fun. The story of a couple of roommates who work in the service industry trying to make ends meet during the lockdown went in a lot of unexpected directions that had me giggling during several scenes. It's always a real treat when jokes land in indie films. Lead actors started off a little bit slow, but as the movie started gaining momentum, their characterizations and acting got a lot better, and many of the characters were well portrayed. A great way to spend an evening if you're looking for a light-hearted romp. Kudos to writer Robert Simmons for an unexpectedly good time!

Robert James' 2025 indie comedy 15 Days offers a lighthearted take on the challenges faced by service industry workers during the COVID-19 lockdowns and the 15 days to flatten the curve nonsense. The film follows best friends Lia and Kali, portrayed by Kenzie Marie and Cameron Bailey, as they navigate financial hardships and explore unconventional means to make ends meet while working at a bar and grill.

The chemistry between Marie and Bailey is a highlight, bringing an every-person appeal to their roles. Their performances, though not polished, contribute to the film's charm and authenticity. The DIY spirit of the production is evident, with a filmmaking style that adds to its indie allure. The film's lead characters certainly capture the absurd realities of the early COVID era.

15 Days value lies in its portrayal of resilience and friendship amidst adversity. The film's comedic lens offers a refreshing perspective on a globally shared experience, making it a relatable watch for many.