Good evening, everyone! I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we'll be diving into the film Daniel Isn't Real. I had the opportunity to watch it on Tubi. This movie originally premiered on March 9, 2019, and has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It is rated for viewers aged 15 and older. Notably, parts of the film were filmed in New York, USA. The movie grossed approximately $75,407 worldwide. As an individual on the autism spectrum, I found the inclusion of subtitles to be immensely beneficial, as they significantly improved my ability to engage with the dialogue throughout the film. The film was both directed and written by Adam Egypt Mortimer, with additional writing contributions from Brian DeLeeuw, the author of the novel "In This Way I Was Saved," which served as the inspiration for the movie. I do see myself picking up this book sometime in the future.
Summary: In the aftermath of a traumatic childhood defined by witnessing the consequences of a mass shooting on the day his father abandons him, Luke struggles with deep emotional wounds. This dual trauma gives rise to Daniel, an imaginary friend who initially offers comfort but later reveals a darker side.
Review: -I found it compelling how the film opens with the introduction of Luke, a young boy who creates an imaginary friend named Daniel as a way to navigate his traumatic experiences. The opening scenes was both engaging and thought-provoking, effectively laying the groundwork for the psychological tension that develops throughout the film. I appreciated how the film effectively communicates significant themes surrounding mental health, the interplay between creativity and psychological well-being, the impact of environmental factors on our mental state, struggles with identity, and the perils associated with escapism. I valued the gradual build-up and the tension that the film expertly crafted within the realm of psychological horror; however, I did feel that there were moments when it lacked a certain momentum. I was impressed with the casting choices for the film, as I found the performances to be quite strong. Miles delivered a nuanced portrayal, showcasing significant depth and emotional range that effectively illustrated his character's struggles with trauma and mental health issues. Patrick infused his role with a captivating yet unsettling presence; his remarkable ability to shift seamlessly between charm and menace greatly enhanced the film's eerie atmosphere. While I appreciated many aspects of the narrative, I believe that certain scenes would have greatly benefited from more impactful dialogue and deeper character development to enhance the overall storytelling experience. I appreciated the soundtrack, particularly how the use of detuned piano and various instrumental elements effectively evokes a sense of tension and anxiety, aligning seamlessly with the film's psychological horror theme. The interplay between the soundtrack and sound effects cultivates an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty, immersing me deeply into the movie's world. However, I would have preferred a broader selection of tracks included in the film to enhance the overall experience.
-I found that the film's portrayal of gore is both realistic and believable, emphasizing psychological tension and suspense over explicit violence. Its effective use of practical effects and skilful editing enhances the intensity of the gore scenes, creating a sense of immediacy that is unsettling. However, the consistency of realism in the gore varies, with some moments appearing more stylized and exaggerated than others. I was liked some of the film's cinematography, which expertly employed a variety of shot types to enhance its narrative. The gentle lighting established a nuanced atmosphere that I found appealing; however, while all the essential elements in each frame were distinctly visible, some parts could have benefited from additional brightness. Personally, I often adjust my screen's brightness for a better viewing experience, which proved particularly advantageous during this film. The film's editing was a masterful blend of artistic flair and technical precision, elevating it from a standard horror film to a gripping psychological thriller, with its well-balanced pacing, inventive visual transitions, and edits that skilfully delved into the characters' psyches, all combining to create a captivating cinematic experience.
-I found the movie to be somewhat predictable, as I was able to anticipate several plot developments. However, I appreciated the ending, even though it felt a bit hurried in its resolution. The film's choice to leave certain elements open to interpretation enhanced its psychological horror aspect, which I found intriguing.
I rate each film I watch out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 6.7 Remember this was what I thought about the movie personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
