7 Days in Hell (2015) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Released in 2015, “7 Days in Hell” is a hilarious sports mockumentary that parodies the world of professional tennis. Directed by Jake Szymanski and written by Murray Miller, the HBO special features a star-studded cast led by Andy Samberg and Kit Harington. The film is a fictional account of an absurdly long tennis match that stretches for seven days, showcasing a blend of outrageous humor, absurd situations, and witty commentary on sports culture. With its rapid-fire jokes and eccentric performances, 7 Days in Hell offers a uniquely entertaining experience for fans of both comedy and tennis. Let’s break down what makes this mockumentary so fun and explore where you can stream it online.
Plot Summary: A Ridiculous Tennis Showdown
7 Days in Hell tells the fictional story of the longest tennis match ever played, spanning an entire week at Wimbledon. The film focuses on two wildly different players: Aaron Williams (Andy Samberg), a bad-boy tennis prodigy adopted by Venus and Serena Williams, and Charles Poole (Kit Harington), a dim-witted, sheltered British player under immense pressure to win for his country.
Williams, known for his scandalous off-court behavior, is a brash and unpredictable figure who’s constantly embroiled in controversy. Meanwhile, Poole is portrayed as a naive, simple-minded player who’s not quite aware of the stakes or even the basic rules of tennis. The clash between these two personalities leads to an epic, bizarre, and highly exaggerated match that defies all logic and reason.
The film cleverly uses the mockumentary format, featuring interviews with real-life sports personalities such as John McEnroe and Serena Williams, as well as comedic actors like Will Forte and Fred Armisen, who add to the absurdity of the situation. As the match unfolds over seven days, the film explores the increasing absurdity of the rivalry, from on-court breakdowns to off-court scandals, making for an entertaining satire of sports media and tennis culture.
Why “7 Days in Hell” is Worth Watching
7 Days in Hell is a perfect blend of absurdity and satire, delivering sharp, irreverent humor from start to finish. For fans of sports mockumentaries like Best in Show or This is Spinal Tap, this film captures that same comedic spirit but with a focus on tennis.
Andy Samberg and Kit Harington’s Performances
The film’s comedic success hinges largely on the performances of Andy Samberg and Kit Harington. Samberg, known for his outrageous humor in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Saturday Night Live, is in his element as Aaron Williams, delivering one ridiculous line after another with perfect timing. He embodies the over-the-top “bad boy” persona with a wild energy that keeps the audience laughing.
Meanwhile, Kit Harington, famous for his brooding role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, plays hilariously against type as Charles Poole, a completely clueless athlete with a one-dimensional focus on winning Wimbledon. Harington’s deadpan delivery adds a layer of comedic gold, especially when paired with Samberg’s manic energy.
A Hilarious Parody of Tennis and Sports Culture
While the film is packed with slapstick humor and absurd scenarios, it’s also a clever parody of the world of sports, particularly tennis. The exaggerated media coverage, dramatic rivalries, and player controversies poke fun at how athletes are treated in the public eye. For instance, the depiction of Aaron Williams’ rise and fall mirrors real-life stories of troubled athletes whose off-field antics overshadow their sports achievements.
Even for those who aren’t tennis fans, the universal themes of competition, fame, and media sensationalism make the film accessible and entertaining. The use of real-life tennis icons like John McEnroe and Serena Williams to give “commentary” adds a layer of authenticity to the satire, making it all the more amusing.
Clever Mockumentary Style
The mockumentary format works particularly well in 7 Days in Hell. The talking-head interviews, fake archival footage, and over-the-top reenactments contribute to the absurdity of the situation. It’s a style that allows for quick gags and subtle humor, blending fictional and real-life elements seamlessly. The film’s pacing is tight, clocking in at only 43 minutes, which makes it a quick and entertaining watch that never overstays its welcome.
Where to Watch 7 Days in Hell (2015) Online: Streaming Services
If you’re looking to stream 7 Days in Hell in the U.S., the movie is available on several platforms. Here are the best places to watch it:
1. HBO Max
7 Days in Hell is an HBO original, so it’s available for streaming on HBO Max. With an HBO Max subscription, you can watch the mockumentary in HD on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Subscription Price: $15.99/month
2. Amazon Prime Video
Although primarily available through HBO Max, you can also rent or purchase 7 Days in Hell on Amazon Prime Video. This option is great for those who prefer renting individual films instead of subscribing to HBO Max.
- Rental Price: $2.99
- Purchase Price: $9.99
3. Apple TV
For Apple users, Apple TV offers 7 Days in Hell for rental or purchase in high definition. This makes it a convenient option for those who prefer to stream content through Apple devices.
- Rental Price: $2.99
- Purchase Price: $9.99
4. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV provides an easy way to rent or purchase 7 Days in Hell for those who use Android devices or Chromecast. It’s a solid option for anyone who prefers to avoid subscription-based services.
- Rental Price: $2.99
- Purchase Price: $9.99
5. YouTube Movies
7 Days in Hell is also available for rental or purchase on YouTube Movies. This is a convenient way to stream the movie on any device that supports YouTube, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Rental Price: $2.99
- Purchase Price: $9.99
Choosing the Best Streaming Option for You
If you’re already an HBO Max subscriber, watching 7 Days in Hell there is the most cost-effective and straightforward option. For those who prefer renting or purchasing movies, platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube all offer the film for a reasonable price.
Apple users may find Apple TV to be the most convenient, while Android users can opt for Google Play Movies & TV or YouTube for seamless streaming. Amazon Prime Video provides a good alternative if you’re looking for a rental option that works across a variety of devices.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Sports Comedy Fans
7 Days in Hell is a delightful parody that mixes sports drama with ridiculous comedy, offering a fun, fast-paced viewing experience. The combination of Andy Samberg’s outrageous antics and Kit Harington’s deadpan seriousness creates a dynamic and hilarious contrast. The film’s mockumentary style works perfectly for its subject matter, providing endless laughs while simultaneously poking fun at the world of professional tennis and sports culture in general.
At just under 45 minutes, 7 Days in Hell is a breezy, laugh-out-loud comedy that’s perfect for a quick watch, whether you’re a fan of tennis or just looking for something lighthearted and fun.
Watch “7 Days in Hell” Today!
Head to your preferred streaming platform and watch this hilarious HBO mockumentary. Whether you’re in it for the outrageous humor or the brilliant performances, 7 Days in Hell promises to be an entertaining ride from start to finish!
