Peter Hujar’s Day is a new film currently playing in select theaters. Written and directed by Ira Sachs, it stars Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall. The film draws on a recently uncovered 1974 conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, offering a vivid glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the intimate struggles, revelations, and creative tensions that shape an artist’s life.

I have a feeling this one may slip under the radar for many. Despite receiving a theatrical release, it hasn’t generated much attention. Given that it’s distributed by Janus Films, I suspect it may find a wider audience once it lands on a streaming platform—whether that ends up being Max, MUBI, or The Criterion Channel remains to be seen. Still, I’m grateful it made it into theaters this year, because Ben Whishaw delivers a performance that feels truly Oscar-worthy. Will he be recognized for it? Probably not—but don’t let that stop you from seeking this film out.

I’ve always enjoyed the work of Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, so even though this film hasn’t gained much popularity, receiving an invitation to see it immediately piqued my interest—especially after hearing so many people say it was not to be missed. They weren’t wrong. While I wasn’t familiar with the figures they play beforehand, the film does an excellent job capturing who they were, offering something meaningful for both newcomers and those who already know their history.

The film feels almost like listening to a podcast brought to life—something we’re accustomed to in today’s media landscape—but this is different. It recreates the original conversation with striking authenticity, and the visual approach makes it feel as though you’re truly watching these characters speak in the 1970s. From the cinematography to the editing, it’s an incredibly immersive experience, unlike anything else I can readily think of.

Even at just 75 minutes, the film feels longer—and not in a negative way. You could even argue that it might work as a stage play, given how heavily it leans on dialogue. Films that embrace a slower pace and prioritize conversation often create a sense of presence, allowing the moments to breathe and unfold naturally. Still, a brief prologue might have helped ground us more clearly in who these characters are and what drives them. Even so, the film ultimately succeeds in giving us a deep sense of their identities and inner lives, despite its compact runtime.

Ben Whishaw delivers one of the standout performances of the year—arguably the best of his career. This is exactly what I think of when I imagine an Oscar-worthy performance. It’s striking that someone like Dwayne Johnson is receiving far more awards chatter for The Smashing Machine. While his work there is strong in its own right, it doesn’t feel as transformative as what Whishaw achieves here. The way he speaks, the way he allows every line to breathe—his control, nuance, and presence are extraordinary.

It’s easy to overlook Rebecca Hall’s performance because it isn’t as overtly transformative as Whishaw’s—but it isn’t meant to be. In many ways, she serves as the audience’s echo, voicing the questions and uncertainties we might have ourselves. While I would have liked a bit more insight into her character’s motivations, there’s still something quietly mesmerizing about the way she listens to Peter. She never overshadows him, yet she remains an essential presence—an anchor in the film’s emotional landscape.

As mentioned earlier, the film excels at transporting us visually back to its era, which is crucial for understanding both the characters and the themes at play. Whenever the two are shown speaking on a rooftop with the New York skyline stretched behind them, the film manages to make something familiar feel like a different time entirely. It subtly underscores how much has changed between then and now—and how the concerns, desires, and artistic impulses of that moment continue to resonate, even fifty years later.

Overall, Peter Hujar’s Day is not a film to let slip under the radar. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Ben Whishaw delivers a career-best performance, while Rebecca Hall masterfully reflects the audience’s perspective. Combined with its striking visual storytelling, this is a film that demands to be experienced.

VERDICT: 4/5 – Great