Beautifully Engrossing

Rating: 10/10 (16 April 2020)

After watching the movie, I didn't completely understand the big picture or what it is about, but I fell in love at once. Donnie Dark is an undeniable classic that rocks you with the beautiful conundrum and multi-layered story it has. It is a true mystery puzzle that pays off really well with moments of suspense, horror and amazement. Richard Kelly has geniously written the script with an original and thought-out story with intertwining themes, thought-provoking ideas and memorable lines. His direction was also astounding with uses of motifs and momentum to make an absolutely well-paced and pulling narrative. The film doesn't breast-feed you by straight-forwardly explaining what is going on. It gives off little by little information and demands you to put the pieces together to follow the trail of the story.
The performances are also there to praise. Jake Gyllenhaal is amazing in this movie. He successfully changed into a bipolar and troubled teenager who is very often disturbed and confused in the movie. I also love Jenna Malone as Gretchen Ross. Playing a supporting character with little lines, she is riveting and attractive nevertheless.
Donnie Darko grabs you by the hook. Every scene is slow burn and overwhelming at the same time that you would merely feel the 2 hours passing by. I finished the film engrossed, feeling: "Wow, what a ride!".