Donnie Darko
2001

Donnie Darko

★ 8.0 / 10
IMDb
Directed by Richard Kelly
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Synopsis

In 'Donnie Darko', a troubled teenager named Donnie is plagued by visions of a large, demonic rabbit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. As he tries to uncover the truth behind his visions, he discovers a time-travel theory that could potentially save the world.

Why Watch It
A haunting blend of psychological thriller and sci-fi mystery that burrows deep into teenage alienation and existential dread. Director Richard Kelly crafts an unsettling atmosphere where reality fractures around a compelling performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, leaving viewers chasing interpretations long after the credits roll.
Did You Know?
  • Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, siblings in real life, play siblings onscreen.
  • Director Richard Kelly was just 26 when he made the film.
  • The movie was shot in 28 days, mirroring the 28-day timeline.
  • In the movie, 'Donnie Darko' translates to 'Dark Rabbit' in German.
  • The film's budget was around $4.5 million.
Iconic Quotes
  • 'Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?'
  • 'Every living creature on Earth dies alone.'
  • 'I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to.'
  • 'I promise that one day, everything's gonna be better for you.'
  • 'Some people are just born with tragedy in their blood.'
Editorial

Why Eltorama recommends this film

Appears in  One-Shot Wonders →
Richard Kelly's debut was a cult hit but his subsequent films failed to garner similar acclaim
Appears in  Twisted Timelines →
Time travel is used to prevent a deathly catastrophe.