Watching Daniela Forever is not much different than dreaming, it’s unfocused, incoherent, and full of random scenes that will quickly be forgotten after a night of sleep. Directed by Nacho Vigalondo (that directed the very good Colossal in 2016), this film’s tells the story of Nick (Henry Golding), who, after the death of his partner Daniela (Beatrice Grannò), participates in a clinical trial for vivid dream experiences. Rather than offering a profound look at his mourning process, the film devolves into a disjointed mess that lacks coherence and emotional depth.
What could have been a deep exploration of loss quickly turns into a shallow critique of toxic relationships, reminiscent of 2012 film Ruby Sparks but devoid of its charm or nuance. The real-world segments, framed in an unflattering boxy ratio, fail to provide context or emotional weight, leaving viewers questioning the authenticity of the characters’ connections. Where they ever in love?
The clinic’s treatment protocols are also poorly defined and inadequately monitored, making it appear absurdly unprepared for the risks associated with such a potentially dangerous treatment.
Henry Golding’s performance is disappointingly superficial, failing to convey the emotional gravity of his role. The film is plagued by disconnected scenes, such as the bizarre and unrelated bar scene in the outset, and a general lack of urgency. Despite a few small glimpses of creative potential, such as the limits of the dreams, these do little to redeem the film’s many shortcomings. Daniela Forever ultimately offers a disjointed and forgettable experience, leaving viewers with little to remember or feel. It’s a romantic film devoid of romance, a movie about loss with minimal exploration, and a dream narrative that might make audiences asleep.
- 1. Sinners
- 2. Shepherds (Bergers)
- 3. The Ballad of Wallis Island
- 4. Kiss of the Spider Woman
- 5. One of Them Days
- 75. Daniela Forever
- Where to watch
- Rent or buy at Apple TV Store, Amazon Video
- Where to watch
- Rent or buy at Apple TV Store, Amazon Video
Play trailer
- Original title
- Daniela Forever
- Director
- Nacho Vigalondo
- Genre
- Science Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Cast
- Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, Aura Garrido, Rubén Ochandiano, Nathalie Poza, Pilar Bergés, Godeliv Van den Brandt, Frank Feys
- Rated
- R
- Screenwriter
- Nacho Vigalondo
- Composer
- Carlos Ballesteros, Genís Segarra, Hidrogenesse
- Cinematography
- Jon D. Domínguez, Curro Ferreira
- Editor
- Carolina Martínez Urbina
- Country
- Language
- English
- Distributor (CA)
- Well Go USA (North America).