Daniel Isn't Real

A thriller with horror elements about a young man whose imaginary childhood friend appears and exhorts him to do bad things, gradually taking control of his actions and his body. This standard story of dealing with inner demons in the style of Jekyll and Hyde is dominated by the decent performances of unknown actors and the relatively innovative mythology of the imaginary friends and demons that control them, which are probably better captured in the book on which the film is based. The relatively routine direction was sufficient for a few remarkable scenes, but the film is unable to make use of main thing that would be able to make it really significant, which makes the film seem somewhat forgettable despite a few interesting and fresh ideas. (05.10.2019)

Adam Egypt Mortimer and his most interesting and best work. It's the story of a young man who has an imaginary friend in his head who encourages him to do bad things, helps him to achieve his goals, but also slowly gains control over him. Well acted, disturbing, psychological, dreamy and with a great beginning and ending. I loved the demon masks in the background and one crazy scene with a stretched jaw. Enjoyed it, liked it. 7/10. (28.11.2019)

For me, perhaps the best cheap indie horror of the year (not counting the “bigger indies” that go normally to the cinemas, like Midsommar, for instance). It’s a shame that in the end things strangely fall apart, because, up to the last ten minutes, it leaves a hopeless, sad and dark post-viewing sensation. But then the creators decide to show a bit more than would probably be advisable given the financing, thus weakening a little the impression of a 100% serious film. Nevertheless, I’m glad that Mortimer is improving with each film (I saw much promise the last time), and that they’re coming up with original ideas, or at least adapting them, and I’m curious about what’s next. (29.11.2019)

Following a traumatic event, an eight-year-old boy called Luke meets and brings home an imaginary friend called Daniel. Daniel supports Luke in developing his imagination and helps him regain his self-confidence, but then, of course, nothing is quite as it seems. This is a relatively interesting variation on horror movies about the split personality disorders, which may be rooted in schizophrenia. However, there may also be something more unreal and deceptive behind it. This movie has an almost hypnotic atmosphere, and is based on the solid performances of the actors playing the central duo - Patrick Schwarzenegger especially draws the audience’s attention, not only because he looks exactly like Arnold when he was young, but because the role of the manipulative demon was so apt and fit him like a glove. If the plot offered something fresh that we have not seen before in other movies, and most importantly, a more powerful finale, I would have been completely satisfied. [Sitges 2019] (05.10.2019)