The 27-Hour Day
6.7/10 · 1,639 ratings20211h 25mWeirdness 4/10
Where to watch
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The premise
An entrepreneur takes a break from her wellness empire for some much-needed work/life balance but realizes it won't be easy. Will a relaxing retreat and new romance change her life forever?
How unusual is it?
A fairly classic Hallmark setup with a quirk or two.
A rare specific
Tap to find the other Hallmark movies that share it.
Who’s in it
Behind the camera
ShowHide
Directed by
Written by
Wait, what?
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
- The protagonist's brand is literally called 'The 27-Hour Day,' implying she has found a way to defy the laws of physics through productivity.
- A subplot involves a 'rescue pig' with a hoof infection that needs 'rehab' and eventually learns to play fetch.
- Lauren uses knitting needles as a potential lock-picking tool to get to her smartphone.
- The protagonist's idea of a 'break' is a teeth cleaning where she listens to a French-learning app.
Every trope, all in one place
Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 31 to find more movies that do the same thing.
Setting2
Time & season2
Characters9
Tone & quirks6
How it all plays out
Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.
Full story (spoilers)
Lauren Garrett lives her life by the second, managing a successful productivity empire in New York City. Her world revolves around 'hacks' to save time, but her ambition hits a wall when she meets her idol, self-help mogul Barbara Davrow. Barbara observes that Lauren is on the verge of burnout and suggests she find 'balance' before they can discuss a spot on Barbara's upcoming speaking tour. Taking the advice literally, Lauren books a stay at Meadowlawn Retreat in Springfield, Montana, a place that prides itself on being tech-free and clock-free. Upon arrival, Lauren struggles with the 'detox,' attempting to use knitting needles to break into the tech safe and recording 'podcasts' on a handheld recorder to cope with the silence. She meets Jack West, the retreat's co-owner, who is initially skeptical of her 'Type A' personality. Their relationship begins to shift when Lauren helps Jack with an injured rescue pig and assists him in rebuilding a 3-D architectural model for a retreat expansion after the pig accidentally destroys it. Through these activities, Lauren realizes she enjoys helping people more than she enjoys being efficient. Meanwhile, Jack reveals that he dropped out of vet school years ago to help his mother and sister run the retreat after his father's death. The conflict peaks during the town's 'Honey Fest,' where Barbara Davrow reappears and offers Lauren the coveted speaking tour spot. However, Lauren realizes that the tour would mean returning to her old, soul-crushing routine. Simultaneously, Jack learns that the investment deal for the retreat's expansion has fallen through. Lauren encourages Jack to pursue his original dream of being a vet, while she decides to rebrand her business to focus on 'what really matters' rather than just saving time. In the end, Lauren turns down Barbara's offer to stay true to her new self. Jack decides to return to vet school at Cornell, and the film concludes with Jack visiting Lauren in New York, where they begin a new chapter together based on genuine connection rather than scheduled efficiency.
Beat by beat
Opening
Lauren Garrett is introduced as a hyper-efficient influencer who is told by guru Barbara Davrow that she needs 'balance' to qualify for a speaking tour.
Inciting Incident
Lauren arrives at Meadowlawn Retreat in Montana and is forced to surrender her technology, leading to immediate withdrawal symptoms and 'mental math' to track her steps.
Midpoint
Lauren and Jack bond over a rescue pig and a 3-D model; Lauren uses her efficiency skills to help Jack prepare for a high-stakes investor meeting.
Climax
At the Honey Fest, Barbara Davrow offers Lauren the speaking tour, but Lauren realizes she no longer wants her old life of 300% work capacity.
Resolution
Lauren rebrands her company to focus on joy and connection; Jack enrolls in vet school and reunites with Lauren in New York City.
31 tropes in one movie
We counted 31 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.
How it stacks up
Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.
Higher-rated than 70% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Where this one fits
The corners of the catalog The 27-Hour Day belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.
Lines worth quoting
The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.
“Why have 24 hours when you can have 27?”
— Lauren GarrettExplaining her brand philosophy to Barbara Davrow. “If I do any more reflecting, I'm gonna turn into a mirror.”
— Lauren GarrettExpressing her frustration with the lack of activity at the retreat. “I'm 100% committed to helping women find ways to save time, because it helps us do more.”
— Lauren GarrettDiscussing her career goals early in the film.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Lauren Garrett
LeadEfficiency Influencer/Entrepreneur
Type AOrganizedAnxiousHelpfulJack West
Love interestRetreat Owner/Former Vet Student
Romantic interest and retreat host
NurturingStubbornOutdoorsySelf-sacrificingAyla West
SupportingRetreat Co-owner
Jack's sister
CreativePerceptiveSupportiveBarbara Davrow
SupportingSelf-help Guru
Idol and potential employer
DiscerningSuccessfulCalm
Questions people ask about The 27-Hour Day
Where can I watch The 27-Hour Day?
The 27-Hour Day is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
How long is The 27-Hour Day?
The 27-Hour Day runs about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and was released in 2021.
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