There is never an issue if you see a film about someone you’ve never heard of before, as, if you become invested in the movie, you want to find out more about them. Peter Hujar was a gay photographer from the 70s, whom I didn’t know a thing about when entering Peter Hujar’s Day, and to be honest, after leaving, I wasn’t that interested in finding anything about it, because, even when you have two outstanding actors and a decent director, this film is frankly, a bore.

Writer Linda Rosenkrantz has decided to interview her friend, the photographer Peter Hujar, about an ordinary day in his life. The pair talks about friends, work and personal struggles.

Director Ira Sachs, whose previous work includes the excellent and underrated Love Is Strange and Passages, obviously has a passion for the subject. Linda Rosenkrantz’s articles from her unpublished book could make for a fascinating stage production. As a movie, setting the whole thing in one apartment just doesn’t work.

There are only so many edit cuts or lighting changes to keep the audience interested, especially when you know nothing about the subject or who he is talking about. Occasionally, he mentions a name of someone you might have heard of, but none of the people are brought to life with the stories he tells, and you find yourself wandering, looking at your watch, and shuffling in your seat.

Then, halfway through, a surprise. A short interlude in which Linda and Peter decide to have a dance. Suddenly, the whole film comes to life, and for a few minutes, we get to see two people connect, and then, once that moment passes, it’s back to business with more stories that lack any interest.

What makes this even more challenging to comprehend is that the film has two of Britain’s brightest stars. Ben Whishaw, the voice behind Paddington, is always a worthy watch, but here he doesn’t ignite at all. In a very monotone delivery throughout, he doesn’t bring Hujar to life; instead, it’s as if he’s reading a monologue for the first time, with no clue how to say it. Even his usual screen charisma cannot save this one.

The same applies to Rebecca Hall. An underrated actress who has tackled roles such as Christine and is brilliant in The Gift, is given the part of a person who nods a lot and occasionally asks questions. You learn absolutely nothing about Linda or why she wants to write this book; she is just an interviewer, allowing her subject to talk… and talk… and talk.

Peter Hujar’s Day promises so much but delivers very little. If you know anything about his life, you may find something in this. If you don’t, even at a short 76 minutes, you may find this a struggle.

2 out of 5

Director: Ira Sachs

Starring: Ben Whishaw, Rebecca Hall

Written by Ira Sachs and (based on the book) Linda Rosenkranz

Running Time: 76 mins

Cert: 12A

Release date: 2nd January 2026