Daniel Isn't Real 2019
Directed by
Adam Egypt Mortimer
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Plot Summary
As a young boy, the quiet and troubled Luke witnesses the harrowing aftermath of a mass shooting at a local coffee shop. Amidst the chaos, he encounters another boy named Daniel, portrayed by Patrick Schwarzenegger, who exudes charm and confidence and quickly becomes Luke’s friend. Despite his vibrant presence, Daniel is invisible to adults like Luke’s mother, Claire (Mary Stuart Masterson). Their friendship blossoms, providing Luke with a sense of companionship to help him navigate through his parents’ divorce.
However, their bond takes a dark turn when Daniel persuades Luke to mix an entire bottle of Claire’s psychiatric medication into a smoothie, claiming it will grant her superpowers. Tragically, this results in a near-fatal poisoning incident, leading Claire to insist that Luke send Daniel away. Luke is then tasked with symbolically confining Daniel within her mother’s old dollhouse.
Years pass, and a now college-aged Luke grapples with intense anxiety regarding his future, social interactions, and the burden of caring for his mother, who suffers from paranoid delusions and a distorted self-image. Confiding in his therapist, Dr. Braun (Chukwudi Iwuji), Luke expresses his fear of becoming like his mother. One fateful night, while visiting his childhood home, he unlocks the dollhouse and to his surprise, Daniel re-emerges but as an adult.
Initially, Daniel’s influence seems harmless as he aids Luke in preventing Claire’s suicide, achieving academic success, and even fostering a romance with artist Cassie (Sasha Lane). However, Daniel’s behavior soon turns hostile as he begins to react violently when Luke defies him. When Luke hesitates to engage with a psychology student named Sophie (Hannah Marks) during a date, Daniel takes control of his body, leading to a chaotic encounter that results in Luke being expelled from campus. Doubting his own sanity, Luke fears he may be developing schizophrenia and attempts to banish Daniel back into the dollhouse, but his efforts prove futile.
As Luke’s mental state deteriorates, he becomes convinced that Daniel is fully usurping his identity during his sleep. A visit to John Thigpen’s father, the perpetrator of the original shooting, reveals unsettling similarities between their experiences, deepening Luke’s understanding that Daniel is a supernatural being rather than just an imaginary friend.
In a desperate move, Dr. Braun makes a late-night visit hoping to sever the ties between Luke and Daniel, tragically resulting in Luke’s consciousness being trapped within the dollhouse while Daniel takes over his form, culminating in the murder of Braun. Targeting Cassie next, Daniel reveals his true nature, calling himself “a traveler,” and pursuing her to the rooftop where she desperately pleads for Luke to return to reality. Hearing her voice, Luke gathers the strength to escape the confines of the dollhouse.
In their final confrontation, Daniel asserts that he has aided countless souls throughout history, claiming none have been worthy of his help. Luke, aware of Daniel’s true parasitic nature, realizes they can never be entirely separated. To protect Cassie, he makes the ultimate sacrifice, jumping from the rooftop while ensuring she is safe. Cassie lies down beside his lifeless body, and in the shadows, Daniel transforms back to his monstrous self, suggesting he is on the hunt for a new host.
Timeline
The Mass Shooting Incident
Young Luke experiences a traumatic event when a mass shooting occurs at a local coffee shop. This event profoundly affects him, imprinting a sense of fear and confusion in his childhood mind.
Meeting Daniel
In the aftermath of the shooting, Luke meets Daniel, a charming and confident boy who quickly becomes his friend. Despite being invisible to adults around them, their friendship provides Luke with much-needed companionship during his parents' divorce.
The Medication Incident
Daniel convinces Luke to mix a bottle of his mother Claire's psychiatric medication into a smoothie, claiming it will grant her superpowers. This reckless act leads to a near-fatal poisoning incident, putting a strain on their friendship.
Confining Daniel
Following the poisoning incident, Claire orders Luke to send Daniel away. Luke resorts to symbolically confining Daniel within his mother's old dollhouse, attempting to separate himself from the turmoil.
Luke's College Life
Years later, the now college-aged Luke struggles with anxiety about his future and the stress of caring for his mentally unstable mother. His conversations with his therapist, Dr. Braun, reveal his deep-seated fears of mirroring his mother's mental health issues.
Daniel's Return
During a visit to his childhood home, an unexpected event occurs when Luke unlocks the dollhouse. Daniel re-emerges as an adult, initially appearing to be a supportive presence in Luke's chaotic life.
Helping Prevent a Tragedy
Daniel's influence seems beneficial as he helps Luke navigate his tumultuous life, including preventing Claire from committing suicide. Luke also begins to experience academic success and finds romance with artist Cassie.
Daniel's Hostile Turn
As the relationship deepens, Daniel's behavior shifts to a more sinister nature. He shows aggression when Luke starts to assert himself, particularly in social situations, indicating a darker side to his influence.
The Chaotic Encounter
During a date with psychology student Sophie, Daniel overtakes Luke, resulting in a chaotic and public incident that gets Luke expelled from campus. This moment marks a significant turning point in Luke's perception of his own sanity.
Exploring Identity
Burdened with doubt about his mental health, Luke seeks answers after a visit to John Thigpen's father, which reveals disturbing parallels between their experiences. This encounter leads Luke to suspect that Daniel may not just be an imaginary friend.
Dr. Braun's Visit
In a desperate attempt to free Luke from Daniel's grasp, Dr. Braun makes a late-night visit. Tragically, this encounter ends with Luke's consciousness trapped in the dollhouse, while Daniel assumes control of his life.
Daniel's True Nature
As Luke's friends become targets, Daniel reveals himself as a 'traveler,' expressing his intent to harm Cassie. Luke struggles internally as he attempts to reclaim his identity and protect those he loves from Daniel's sinister plans.
The Final Confrontation
In their climactic showdown, Luke confronts Daniel, recognizing the danger he poses. Luke understands that their souls are intertwined and that he must make a significant sacrifice to protect Cassie from Daniel's predatory hunger.
Luke's Ultimate Sacrifice
In a selfless act, Luke jumps from the rooftop, ensuring Cassie's safety but ultimately resulting in his own demise. His decision reflects his final stand against Daniel's monstrous nature.
Daniel's Transformation
As Cassie mourns Luke's death, Daniel reverts back to his monstrous form in the shadows, hinting that he remains a lurking threat in search of a new host. This haunting conclusion underscores the lingering impact of his parasitic presence.
Characters
Luke
Luke is a deeply troubled young man whose childhood experiences with trauma heavily influence his mental health. As he transitions into adulthood, he faces crippling anxiety and the fear of inheriting his mother's psychological issues. His journey reflects the struggle between seeking autonomy and the dangerous allure of a manipulative friendship with Daniel.
Daniel
Daniel is an enigmatic and charismatic figure who embodies Luke's inner demons. Initially appearing as a supportive friend, he gradually reveals his darker, parasitic nature, manipulating Luke for his own ends. Daniel's transformation from a charming ally to a menacing presence highlights the psychological battle Luke must confront.
Claire
Claire is Luke's mother, struggling with her own mental health issues following the trauma of the shooting. Her paranoid delusions create a complex dynamic with Luke, deepening his anxiety and sense of responsibility. Despite her love for her son, her health issues cast a long shadow over their relationship.
Dr. Braun
Dr. Braun serves as Luke's therapist and a voice of reason in his chaotic life. His intentions are to help Luke sever the ties to Daniel, but his intervention leads to dire consequences. Braun's character highlights the complexities and dangers in addressing mental health issues.
Cassie
Cassie is an artist who becomes romantically involved with Luke, representing hope and normalcy in his tumultuous life. She embodies the possibility of love and connection, serving as a motivating force for Luke as he battles his internal demons. Her character illustrates the impact of mental illness on relationships.
Setting
Time period
present day
The movie takes place in modern times, exploring contemporary issues such as mental health, the impact of trauma, and family dynamics in the context of a broken home. The societal aftermath of mass shootings, as well as the experience of young adults facing anxiety and uncertainty about their futures, are central themes that resonate with current audiences.
Location
local coffee shop, childhood home, rooftop
The local coffee shop is a lively community hub where a tragic mass shooting takes place, marking a pivotal moment in Luke's early life. His childhood home serves as a backdrop for his struggles, including his mental health and his fraught relationship with his mother. The rooftop becomes the dramatic final setting for Luke's confrontation with Daniel, symbolizing the heights of both despair and sacrifice.
Themes
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Duality
The theme of duality is prevalent throughout the film, particularly in the relationship between Luke and Daniel. This duality symbolizes the internal struggle between sanity and madness, as Luke grapples with his identity while being influenced by the darker aspects of Daniel's character. The film examines how the lines between friend and foe can blur in the face of psychological trauma.
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Dependency
Dependency is illustrated through Luke's relationship with both Daniel and his mother, Claire. Luke's need for companionship leads him to bond with Daniel, but this relationship ultimately spirals into a toxic dependency that threatens his mental stability. The film portrays how unhealthy dependencies can manifest and the dire consequences they can have on one's life.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice emerges as a vital theme, especially as Luke chooses to protect Cassie at the cost of his own life. This act signifies not only his love for her but also his development into a self-aware individual capable of making difficult choices. The film ultimately questions the price of one's sanity and the lengths to which one will go to safeguard their loved ones.
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