A fascinating, breathtaking, work of art that is unlike anything ever before.

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2019)

Donnie Darko is one of the most unique, interesting, and thought provoking films of our time. The film shines on almost every front, from acting, to writing, to cinematography, to its masterful directing style- even when it was only a debut- the film simply has it all. Behind all the usual aspects of great filmmaking though, comes something much deeper, much riskier, and much more clever than most filmmakers have shown on screen before. The intense focus on social commentary, and provoking take on mental illness, makes not only for a interesting narrative but a story that makes it feel needed to be told. The look of the film is deeply enriched in the atmosphere of the 1980's, and makes for a stunning portrait of a time often seen, but not well known. The acting, most exclusively Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko is simply electric and there is no doubt that only he could play the role. Other standouts in the film include Drew Barrymore, surprisingly, Mary MCDonnell, Jena Malone, and Patrick Swayze. In the end, Donnie Darko surpasses the quality of filmmaking for its time, making it not only underrated, but an astonishing piece of art. It's well executed, intriguing, puzzling (in the best sort of way), and downright entertaining, and there will simply never be anything like it.
My Rating: 10/10