Donnie Darko (2001) Review in 2025
Donnie Darko is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller about a teenager who must navigate his dark past and a mysterious figure known as Frank, who predicts the end of the world in 28 days.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and thriller genres. It's a thought-provoking and engaging film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to mature themes and some violence.
Spoiler Alert!
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Donnie Darko is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores themes of time travel, free will, and the consequences of one's actions. The movie follows Donnie, a troubled teenager who is struggling to cope with his mother's death and his own feelings of isolation. As the predicted date of the world's end approaches, Donnie must confront his dark past and the mysterious figure known as Frank, who seems to be manipulating his every move.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is complex and thought-provoking, exploring themes of time travel, free will, and the consequences of one's actions. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Jake Gyllenhaal delivering a standout performance as Donnie. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Jena Malone and Drew Barrymore.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Donnie being a particularly relatable and sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Jena Malone and Drew Barrymore.
direction9.50/10
The direction is superb, with Richard Kelly bringing a unique and innovative vision to the film. The pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect blend of action, drama, and humor.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a blend of dark and muted colors that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of the film. The camera work is also impressive, with creative use of lighting and composition.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's complex and thought-provoking storyline, well-developed characters, and superb direction make it a standout film in the science fiction and thriller genres.
Cons
The movie's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the plot confusing or hard to follow.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not crazy, I'm just... differently wired."
"The world is going to end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds."
"You are going to die, Donnie."
