Title: Daniela Forever
MPA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Nacho Vigalondo
Starring: Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, Pilar Bergés
Runtime: 1 hr 53 mins

What It Is: Nicolas (Golding) loves his partner Daniela (Grannò), and the two seem perfect for each other. So when tragedy strikes and takes Daniela’s life, Nicolas can’t help but replay the day over and over in his head. When he learns about a drug that might help him cope while asleep, he jumps at the opportunity to join the medical trial. What he discovers about himself, about Daniela, and about the nature of the trial will forever change his perspective on love and life. But who’s to say it will be for the better?

What We Think: What a stunning film. It’s rare that I’m left without coherent thoughts after watching a movie, but this was one of those times. I didn’t know what to think right away—I had to let it marinate. It took about two days and several other films before the right words finally came to me. I ended up writing a short blurb for Twitter that read:

DANIELA FOREVER: This film is brilliant. Nacho once again explores grief. Here he lets Henry Goulding SHINE in a best ever performance. Somber, beautiful and chaotic in the best way. THIS is a film that’ll stay with you long after the curtains draw. #FantasticFest2024

— FilmSnobReviews (@FilmSnobReviews) September 22, 2024

I don’t think that even begins to scratch the surface on my thoughts on this one. Nacho Vigalondo weaponizes the audiences past experiences with love here in a way that feels honest and sincere. Henry Golding is more than a pretty face and is straight up volatile as Nicolas. Beatrice Grannò gives such a great performance in a heavyweight role that required a lot of her. She takes as much as she gives and we, the audience, reap the rewards. Her Daniela is the type of woman we ourselves could easily fall head over heels for. It’s that fact that puts us firmly in Nicolas’ shoes. The relationship feels real and earned and difficult and those are the best ones. Not only does this seem to have it’s influence coming from Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (a GREAT place to start with me) but Nacho’s touch behind the lens is so subtle and gorgeous it makes everything so thought-provoking.

Our Grade: A, God I haven’t felt the way this film made me feel in quite some time. A romantic, beautiful and poignant film. There’s definitely some toxicity from Nicolas as a character but it is in the flaws where we feel something. Highly recommend you check this one out wheter you’re a fan of Nacho’s previous work or not. This is him spinning gold out of silk. Truly masterful work here.