In ‘The 27-Hour Day,’ Lauren Garrett, a successful entrepreneur and productivity guru behind the titular brand, lives her life with a relentless focus on maximizing every second. Her high-stress lifestyle, dominated by meetings, deadlines, and constant multitasking, leaves her disconnected from anything beyond work. After a pivotal business setback, Lauren realizes that her obsession with efficiency may be costing her personal fulfillment and decides to step away for a much-needed break. This time away forces her to disconnect from technology and take a hard look at the pace of her life.
During her retreat, Lauren meets Jack West, a rugged yet gentle man whose life revolves around simplicity and balance. As they form a connection, she begins to understand the importance of slowing down and embracing the present. The visual appeal of the romantic comedy lies in its seamless contrast between Lauren’s fast-paced world and the calm, grounded environment she discovers. The vibrant, changing backdrops mirror her internal journey of rediscovering joy and finding peace amidst a chaotic world. The 2021 film is a beautifully crafted exploration of self-realization, with its stunning visuals playing an integral part in conveying its core message.
The 27-Hour Day Filming Locations
Although ‘The 27-Hour Day’ is set in New York City and Montana, the entire movie was shot in three different locations in British Columbia — Agassiz, Vancouver and Maple Ridge. Lead actress Autumn Reeser shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail on the ‘Hallmarkies Podcast’ that the movie was initially going to be called ‘The 26-Hour Day’ during development, but that title was already taken. The filming of the movie started on May 3, 2021, and wrapped up on May 21 of the same year.
Agassiz, British Columbia
The production team utilized the community of Agassiz in the Eastern Fraser Valley region of British Columbia to replicate the tranquil and picturesque landscapes of Montana. This location, known for its scenic beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for the retreat scenes, allowing the film to capture the essence of nature and peace that Lauren Garrett needs to reconnect with herself. The area around Harrison Hot Springs was particularly stunning, offering a combination of lush greenery and tranquil waters, which add depth to the story’s calming atmosphere.
As Andrew Walker, the lead actor, shared in the ‘Hallmarkies Podcast:’ “All the places we’ve shot were just gorgeous, gorgeous, you know we had in Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, the area.” The breathtaking scenery in these locations plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional tone of the film. The tranquil surroundings not only serve as a visual treat but also help convey the characters’ journey toward balance and inner peace.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is a regular filming location for many Hallmark movies, and ‘The 27-Hour Day’ is no exception. The city’s urban setting, with its modern architecture and bustling streets, stood in for New York City in the film. The port city also served as the shooting site for numerous Hallmark films, including ‘A Godwink Christmas,’ ‘Christmas in Evergreen,’ ‘Autumn in the Vineyard,’ ‘The Sweetest Heart,’ and ‘My One & Only.’ The city’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for transforming into various settings, and it captures the hustle and bustle that Lauren goes through perfectly in the movie.
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Located in the northeastern part of Greater Vancouver in British Columbia, Maple Ridge serves as another key location in ‘The 27-Hour Day,’ contributing to the film’s diverse settings. Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, the city provides the perfect environment for various scenes that showcase the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The picturesque surroundings of the area add depth to the narrative, emphasizing the themes of simplicity and reconnection with nature. The peaceful surroundings of Maple Ridge offer a striking contrast to the bustling world of New York City, enhancing the emotional transition of the characters and complementing the overall serene and reflective tone of the film.
The 27-Hour Day Cast Details
‘The 27-Hour Day’ stars Autumn Reeser and Andrew Walker in the lead roles, who bring the story to life with their captivating performances. Autumn is well-known for her roles in Hallmark films like ‘Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade,’ ‘Love on the Menu,’ and ‘A Bramble House Christmas.’ Alongside her acting career, she has also written and produced several projects. Andrew is celebrated for his roles in films such as ‘My Christmas Family Tree’ and ‘Love On Ice.’ Both actors share remarkable chemistry, contributing significantly to the film’s heartwarming appeal.
Autumn Reeser as Lauren Garrett
Autumn Reeser plays Lauren Garrett in ‘The 27-Hour Day,’ a character who embarks on a transformative journey after a significant business setback. brings emotional depth to the role, portraying a woman on the brink of self-discovery and learning to embrace a more balanced, fulfilling life. In addition to her role in ‘The 27-Hour Day,’ Autumn is known for her performances in ‘The Wedding Veil’ trilogy and ‘A Glenbrooke Christmas.’ Her filmography also features ‘Valentine Ever After’ and ‘Kill ‘Em All,’ showcasing her range in romantic comedies as well as intense dramas. With a career spanning both acting and producing, Autumn has become a staple in Hallmark films and beyond.
Andrew Walker as Jack West
Andrew Walker stars as Jack West in the movie, a role that showcases his natural charm and warmth. As a rancher with a grounded perspective, Jack helps Lauren find clarity and balance in her hectic life. His calm and thoughtful presence provides the perfect contrast to Lauren’s business-driven world, ultimately guiding her toward a more fulfilling way of living. The actor has been a familiar face in Hallmark films, earning praise for his performances in ‘Appetite for Love’ and ‘Dashing Through the Snow.’ His other notable works include ‘Bridal Wave’ and ‘Bottled with Love,’ highlighting his adaptability in both romantic and family-centric roles. With his sincere on-screen presence, Andrew continues to captivate audiences and solidify his place as a Hallmark favorite.
The movie also features Rhiannon Fish as Ayla West, Colleen Wheeler as Sally West, Garrett Black as Kyle, Karen Holness as Diane, and Geoff Gustafson as Mike. Lillian Doucet-Roche portrays Heather, Tom Pickett takes on the role of Roger, and Kayla Heller plays Chelsea. Brenda Crichlow appears as Barbara Davrow (credited as Brenda M. Crichlow), while Frances Flanagan plays Bonnie Garrett. Nick Thorp portrays Lowell, Derek Morrison is Dr. Paul Ladd, and Kelly-Ruth Mercier plays Tilly Ladd. Derek Kwan appears as the Contractor, Joe Costa as Mr. Rodriguez (credited as Carlos Joe Costa), and Mas Morimoto as the Vendor. The film also stars Lorna Rose Harris as Barbara’s Assistant and Tom Lim as the Local Dad. Additionally, Janine Astles appears as the Flower Vendor/Waitress, while Michael Burnyeat is the Fiddler.
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