A raw depiction of grief.
read more
Daniela Forever is an intriguing exploration of love and loss through a sci-fi lens. Writer-director Nacho Vigalondo depicts grief in a raw and relatable manner that both serve and confutes his vision.
The film follows Nicolas (Henry Golding) who is barely coping with the loss of his significant other Daniela (Beatrice Grannò). He joins a clinical trial suggested by a friend that allows him to “revive” his lost love through the means of lucid dreams. It’s all fun and dandy until Nicolas abuses this power and is faced with inadvertent consequences.
The trial is meant to assist one in coping with their loss but its alluring concept also brings about the possibility of it going the other way, as such in Nic’s case. He just can’t seem to let Daniela go and spends most of his time lucid dreaming just to be with her, defeating the purpose of the trial altogether. For the most part, it almost seems as if the trial is helping – Nic seems less desolate when he meets his friends – but only if it didn’t mean he's barely living in the real world.
It gets interesting the more we see Nic in his lucid dreams – he’s manipulative and obsessive, a flawed lead that challenges the usual representation of men in romcoms. Golding, a characteristically charming actor, makes for a great and unassuming cast as the sweet grief-stricken boyfriend with underlying issues.
Vigalondo makes it easy on his audience by creating distinct visuals that represent the dream world from the real world. Reality is drab and grainy which makes the fun and colourful dreams all the more worth visiting. Who wouldn’t want to write their own stories?
Daniela Forever may look like a simple film but it begs the thought-provoking question: what would you do if you were in Nicolas’ shoes?
read less