Variety

‘Peter Hujar’s Day’ Releases First Look Following Sundance Sale

Matt Minton

Tue, February 18, 2026 at 3:21 p.m. PST·1 min read

Following the film’s Sundance premiere and sale to Sideshow and Janus Films, “Peter Hujar’s Day” has released a first look.

Based on the book of the same name by Linda Rosenkrantz, “Peter Hujar’s Day” is director Ira Sachs’ follow-up to “Passages” (Ben Whishaw and Franz Rogowski). His latest film once again features Whishaw, now paired on-screen with Rebecca Hall. The two play friends, Peter Hujar (Whishaw) and Rosenkrantz (Hall), who connect over a 24-hour period in December 1974 and record an intimate discussion. Sachs took inspiration from a transcript of their real-life conversation.

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The clip features a conversation between Hujar and Rosenkrantz as they discuss their differing views on stardom and artists. Hujar proclaims that he wants his work to stand on its own without stars, while Rosenkrantz doesn’t see the appeal in stars even as big as Joan Crawford. By the end, Hujar rests his head on Rosenkrantz’s neck and smokes a cigarette.

The film received positive reviews out of Sundance, with Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman describing it as a “movie that finds its meaning in its very lack of overt drama” with it being “exquisitely done and arresting to watch.” In a notably quieter Sundance year, “Peter Hujar’s Day” was one of the few films to find a U.S. distributor at the festival, alongside buzzy titles like “Lurker,” “The Perfect Neighbor,” “Sorry, Baby” and “Train Dreams.”

“Peter Hujar’s Day” will release in theaters this coming fall following its screening at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

Watch the first clip from the film below.

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