FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The turbulent relationship between a Farmington Hills mother and daughter is being featured on the big screen.
“Four Good Days” -- a movie based on their life -- was released Friday. It’s a story about a daughter’s addiction and how her mother learns to trust her again.
It’s a story of addiction and redemption. At 16, Amanda Wendler was hooked on opioid painkillers. When they were hard to find, she turned to heroin and eventually ended up homeless. With no place to go, she turned to her estranged mother.
Her story of recovery is now playing out on the big screen in “Four Good Days,” staring Mila Kunis as Amanda and Glenn Close as her mother, Libby.
“It was surreal,” Amanda Wendler said. “Who would have ever thought something like that would happen?”
The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning story of Amanda in the Washington Post. Wendler said at times, the portrayal was difficult to watch.
“I mean I cried so much watching that because during my addiction, I never looked in the mirror,” Amanda said. “I lost who I was and I did start to look really bad.”
But the movie is one of hope with a message for those still trapped by addiction.
“I still never gave up hope that that she would turn her life around,” Libby said. “She’s a very bright, outgoing person and I never lost sight of that person is in there somewhere and trying to get that person back out.”
“There’s hope and we do recover and you can have an amazing life,” Amanda said. “Truly, if I could just help one person, it’s worth it.”
“Four Good Days” is in select theaters. It will be available to stream on-demand May 21.
A trailer can be seen below.