Synopsis

New York writer Gwen Cummings spirals through a life of drinking, drugs, and reckless behavior until a drunken accident lands her in court-ordered rehabilitation. Forced to spend 28 days at a recovery center, Gwen resists its rules, group therapy, and fellow patients. Gradually, the experience challenges her self-destructive habits and changes her understanding of sobriety, responsibility, and genuine happiness.

Factoids & Trivia

• Sandra Bullock spent time at a rehabilitation clinic while preparing for the role, gaining firsthand familiarity with the routines and emotional atmosphere of recovery programs.

• Bullock reportedly drank a triple espresso before scenes in which Gwen had to display uncontrollable shaking.

• Much of the artwork visible during the Parker House group sessions was created by actual rehabilitation patients.

• Six wedding cakes were prepared for the wedding sequence. One was used for a test involving a stunt performer, but it contained wooden supports that had not been disclosed to the director. The stunt performer was not injured.

• The horse-therapy scenes were filmed with assistance from a trained equine therapist. The horses were handled by trainers, and the animal action was monitored under the American Humane Society's No Animals Were Harmed program.

• The opening accident does not use a real cat. The cat Gwen swerves to avoid was not actually present during filming.

• Principal photography took place from April 14 through July 14, 1999, with locations including Wilmington and Asheville, North Carolina, and Bedford, New York.