Most Like: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF A SPOTLESS MIND
In a summer filled with blockbuster movies, writer-director Nacho Vigalondo’s DANIELA FOREVER presents a profoundly human story through Henry Golding’s captivating performance on the big screen.
Nicolás (Golding) grapples with grief over his lost girlfriend, Daniela (Beatrice Grannò). A friend suggests an experimental sleep therapy study that simulates reality as a means to help him move on. However, Nicolás cheats the system, reliving and creating new moments with Daniela.
Vigalondo frames the action in wide screen for Nicholas’s cherished memories with Daniela, while the current reality is confined to a 4:3 ratio. This stylistic choice effectively separates the two realities, serving as a metaphor. Nicholas’s life feels incomplete without Daniela, as represented by the square image, while a wide screen suggests his fulfillment by her side.
The plot takes a darker turn when Nicolás begins to manipulate Daniela’s emotions and actions by erasing her memories and controlling every aspect of her life. He spirals out of control, becoming increasingly attached to her rather than accepting her fate.
Golding delivers a nuanced portrayal of Nicolás, showcasing his acting range beyond his usual roles. His chemistry with his on-screen girlfriend, played by Beatrice Grannò, is electrifying.
The film draws inspiration from Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), but it offers a more cohesive narrative. While both films explore similar themes, Daniela Forever is grounded in reality, albeit with occasional trippy moments in this alternate, sometimes surreal world.
The Madrid setting provides a refreshing backdrop for this bizarre love story.
DANIELA FOREVER emerges as a refreshing antidote to the blockbuster doldrums. The movie is now playing in theaters.
Written & Directed by:
Nacho Vigalondo
Cast:
Henry Golding,, Aura Garrido, Rubén Ochandiano, & Nathalie Poza
Synopsis:
Grieving the loss of his girlfriend Daniela, Nicolás is consumed by sorrow. He sees a glimmer of hope when he's offered a chance to participate in a groundbreaking sleep therapy that simulates reality. But as dream and memory blur, he must confront what healing really means—and whether he’s ready to let go. From visionary filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo (Colossal), Daniela Forever is a sci-fi journey through love, loss, and illusion.
