I rarely go straight out when writing a review by stating my position and casting a prognosis but in the instance of Daniel Isn’t Real my gut reaction was so strong and reactive during and post viewing that I felt an overwhelming compulsion to rave about how fantastic this movie is.
I’ve often mentioned how integral it is for movies to evoke a reaction that churns up inside and leaves me with this feeling that is hard to describe, but essentially sends a buzz of excitement and I can literally feel the creative energy being transmitted from the screen.

At its core Daniel Isn’t Real is a window into the psyche of our central character, Luke played by Miles Robbins last seen on the screen playing stoner Dave from Halloween 2018.

Luke suffers a mental relapse when two impactful events occur when he is young. The first is when his father walks out on him and Mary Stuart Masterson, who “Joons” it up as an equally unhinged mother.
On the same day, Luke ventures out into his neighbourhood and comes across the aftermath of a mass shooting.
It is then that Luke meets an imaginary friend, Daniel, who brings the worst out in Luke’s personality. This results on Luke’s mother making him lock Daniel away in the doll house to suppress this negativity ala Drop Dead Fred without the comedy.

Cut to years later and Luke is now 21, and with his mother’s condition seemingly worse, he begins to fear that the same thing may happen to him. Encouraged by his psychotherapist to unleash his imagination, Luke releases Daniel once more, but this time is lead by this mysterious entity (and takes on the form of Arnie’s son Patrick Schwarzenegger) that only he can see. At first, Daniel encourages Luke to step out of his shell, where he meets Cassie (a magnificent Sasha Lane) but this soon escalate as Daniel is able to possess Luke and make him do things that he has no control over and sends Luke into a transcendent spiral of depression and disillusionment.

Part of the magic of this film comes through the special effects that warp and shape our senses and throws the audience into disarray while we like Luke try to decipher the distinction between reality and a warped imagination. 

Prognosis:

It’s the age old story of good vs evil told between a disillusioned young man and his imaginary friend. Who will get the upper hand? 

Director Adam Egypt Mortimer delivers a beautifully visceral journey that is stunning and encapsulating. This is a must-watch film that needs to be viewed and discussed. Thankfully it can be seen at MonsterFest Australia this weekend.

MONSTERFEST AUSTRALIA 2019 SCREENINGS

Fri, 1ST NOVEMBER, 7:15PM:
Capitol Cinemas, Manuka, Canberra

Sat, 2nd NOVEMBER, 10:15PM
GU Film House, Adelaide

Sat, 2nd NOVEMBER, 10:20PM
Event Cinemas, Innaloo, Perth

Sun, 3rd NOVEMBER, 12:10PM
Event Cinemas, George St, Sydney

Sun, 3rd NOVEMBER, 2PM
Event Cinemas, Myer Centre, Brisbane

• Saul Muerte