A raw personal account of what happens when a recently married singer-songwriter duo, attempts to play one show every day for a year.
Chasing a dream is often a daunting venture, especially in the industry of fame and music, because there can be high risks paired with low rewards. Such was the case with Jim and Sam, a couple that made music together and decided to run the risk of performing all 365 days in a year with the hopes of gathering a larger fanbase and more following for their music.
While the film doesn’t hide Jim and Sam’s struggles underneath an artificial glamour of travel and music, it does not do much in garnering more interest for Jim and Sam as musicians. The film even struggles to inspire the audience to go out and chase their dreams. Rather, “After So Many Days” is an accurate portrayal of how putting in a certain quantity of days into chasing a dream will not realize the quality of the dream. The film may have started with a more optimistic note, but its tone overall is a reflection of how sometimes the world does not owe you anything regardless of how much you put out into the world.
Jim and Sam’s journey as musicians trying to gather a following is not a unique tale, but their capacity to film their journey through the highs and lows shows a vulnerability that not many filmmakers are not willing to indulge in. The film does not have a script, a formulated plot, nor an extensive production crew but it is an extended vlog of Jim and Sam doing what they love most: playing music for an audience. It is the act of playing music in settings like a laundromat or singing for a food delivery man that humbles the audience. Perhaps it humbled even Jim and Sam themselves. Despite remaining a standard that society would deem as unsuccessful musicians, Jim and Sam found their own version of success by their ability to build connections with all those who gave them a chance in the strangest situations. Jim and Sam were able to bring a smile to their audience – even if it was just for one night.
Their music is sweet, which helped deliver a simple and straightforward film. However, the film also drags on too long and incites a stubborn degree of pity, despite knowing how resilient Jim and Sam were in their journey. Despite their efforts, it became clear to see that they failed to gain a following due to a failure in marketing. The name ‘Jim and Sam’ is too plain, and their decision to travel multiple countries spreads a potential for a fanbase way too thin to garner a real following.
“After So Many Days” is not professionally filmed nor does it feel professionally edited, but it dives into a backstage journey of how tumultuous the path to fame is. The film ends with a somber tone than an inspirational one, playing its role as a grounding reminder that sometimes a dream will remain a dream.
Available on Digital HD October 20th
