Prime Video’s 56 Days Review: A Steamy Thriller With a Strong Mystery — But Where’s the Spark?

There’s something undeniably intriguing about watching former teen network royalty step into darker, grown-up territory. So when Prime Video’s 56 Days paired a former Disney darling with a Nickelodeon alum for a psychological thriller dripping in sex appeal and secrets, expectations were understandably high. After screening the full season early for The TV Cave, the verdict is complicated.

56 Days, based on the bestselling novel by Catherine Ryan Howard, follows two strangers who meet, fall fast and spiral into a relationship that becomes the center of a murder investigation. The series jumps between the present-day discovery of a decomposed body and flashbacks chronicling the whirlwind romance that led to that fatal moment. Structurally, it’s smart.

The mystery works. The pacing keeps you clicking “next episode.” But when a show hinges on an intense, all-consuming love story, chemistry is everything.

And that’s where things wobble (at least for me).

Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia step confidently into adult roles and credit where it’s due: they commit. The series leans heavily into erotic thriller territory and fans of that genre will likely find plenty to appreciate. The intimacy is bold. The tension is meant to simmer. The story itself is genuinely compelling and the central whodunit is strong enough to keep viewers guessing.

But for a romance that’s supposed to feel electric and dangerous, the connection between Cameron and Jogia never quite ignites. They didn’t move me. The emotional stakes rely on believing these two are irresistibly drawn to each other and despite the physical closeness, the spark feels muted. You understand the plot. You just don’t always feel the passion driving it.

Ironically, the supporting cast fares better in that department. Karla Souza as Lee and Dorian Missick as Karl bring a grounded presence to the investigation side of the story. Their dynamic carries a natural ease and chemistry that occasionally overshadows the central couple. Every time they share a scene, the show feels more anchored.

That’s not to say 56 Days doesn’t work. The mystery is solid. The tonal commitment to erotica is clear and intentional. Going in blind, without prior knowledge of the source material, actually enhances the suspense. The unfolding secrets and shifting perspectives keep the narrative engaging. For viewers who love sensual thrillers with a dark edge, this will absolutely scratch that itch.

Still, when a story asks you to believe in a love intense enough to spiral into obsession and murder, you need a pairing that crackles. 56 Days delivers on intrigue and atmosphere, but emotionally, it leaves you wanting just a little more.

Have you watched 56 Days on Prime Video yet? Did the romance pull you in, or were you more invested in the mystery? Let’s talk about it.

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