TIFF 2024: Daniela Forever Movie
Nacho Vigalondo is back at TIFF with his latest film Daniela Forever, a haunting exploration of grief, dreams, and the power of the subconscious. Featuring the charismatic Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and Beatrice Grannò (The White Lotus), this sci-fi romance will pull at your heartstrings while taking your mind on a thrilling ride.
A Story That Blurs Reality and Dreams
In Daniela Forever, we follow Nick, a grieving man played by Henry Golding, who is struggling with the devastating loss of his lover, Daniela. Desperate to cope, Nick enters a clinical trial for a drug that allows him to reunite with Daniela through lucid dreams. But as with any good sci-fi twist, things don’t go as planned. Nick starts manipulating these dreamscapes, creating an idealized version of his relationship, only to realize that the dream version of Daniela begins to develop a mind of her own. The lines between reality and fantasy blur, leaving Nick (and the audience) questioning what’s real and what’s not.
Stunning Visuals That Reflect the Dream World
One of the standout elements of Daniela Forever is its visual style. The “real world” is shot in a cold, boxy format, mirroring Nick’s emotional state. But when he enters the dream realm, the frames expand into a vibrant, high-definition world bathed in warm Mediterranean light. The dream sequences feel surreal yet inviting, allowing you to understand why Nick becomes so entranced by them.
Exploring the Ethics of Lucid Dreaming
Beyond the romance and sci-fi elements, Daniela Forever touches on deeper ethical questions. If you could recreate a lost loved one in your dreams, would it be real? Does the dream version of someone have autonomy, or are they just a reflection of your desires? As Nick loses control of the dreams, these questions grow darker, turning the film into a thoughtful meditation on love, loss, and control.
Science Meets Cinema at TIFF
TIFF is teaming up with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to feature Daniela Forever in the Science on Film Showcase. Following the screening on Saturday, September 7, there will be a Q&A with director Nacho Vigalondo and a scientific expert in lucid dreaming. If you’ve ever been curious about the neuroscience behind dreams, this is a chance to dive deep into the science that inspired the film.
Showtimes
Daniela Forever promises to be one of the standout films at TIFF this year. It’s not just a love story or a sci-fi adventure — it’s a deeply human exploration of how far we’ll go to hold onto those we’ve lost. With beautiful visuals, strong performances, and a thought-provoking plot, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
- Thursday, September 5: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry) at 12:30 pm
- Friday, September 6: Royal Alexandra Theatre at 5:30 pm
- Saturday, September 7: TIFF Lightbox at 9:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 10: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry) at 9:00 am
- Thursday, September 12: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 7:30 pm
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