Lionsgate films
www.sdarko.com
If you thought that the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko was an incredibly complex and difficult story, possibly even one of the most bizarre tales you have ever encountered, then be prepared for yet another rush of time travelling excitement with the next instalment S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale.
Donnie Darko was a film that really made you think and got the sparks in the brain working at full speed. After seeing all the facts, you needed to place them all in an order that makes sense. For S. Darko you may have to put what is left of your brain into overdrive, as it is a little bit more of a challenge to get to grips with. The tale begins seven years after the death of Donnie, with his sister Samantha (Daveight Chase) heading off on a road trip with a friend. The trip is cut short when the car breaks down and the town bad boy Randy (Ed Westwick) comes to their rescue. It is when they reach town that the girls end up in a time travelling set of events that sees them die, come back to life and Samantha returning as a spirit like entity which connects to her sleepwalking.
The end of the film is a confusing one with future dead Sam and the present one becoming one in the same due to certain events not happening, and thus changing the course of the future events. If you have ever wondered how the future can effect the past to ultimately alter the future that was to be, then be prepared for a headache.
This sequel takes much more thinking to put all the pieces of the narrative puzzle together. With Donnie’s tale the narrative seemed pretty straightforward with the occasional speed bump and an end result inserted at the start. With Sam’s tale things seem much more complicated with a very similar end and beginning, one what could have been and one that becomes reality. There are also other points that create alternative outcomes. Sam’s story is a slightly creepier tale than Donnie’s first instalment, however still sees the return of the spaced out bunny. Dead Sam from the future has a rather zombie like effect to her appearance, especially with that horrendous dress.
This film has a great up and coming cast including Daveight Chase (Donnie Darko), Briana Evigan (Step Up 2: The Streets), James Lafferty (One Tree Hill) and one guy all eyes are on at the minute, Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl), as well as a few familiar faces including Elizabeth Berkley (Save by the Bell). In a world that blurs the realms of fantasy and reality, S. Darko: A Donie Darko Tale will likely mystify and intrigue while getting those brain cells in full working order.
Michelle Moore