Direction: Adam Egypt Mortimer
Country: USA
For a low-budget film, Daniel Isn’t Real did a lot, revealing some refreshing originality when compared to other horror movies with more financial possibilities. Second-time director Adam Egypt Mortimer made some conceptual and technical advances since his 2015 debut Some Kind of Hate, sharing writing credits once again with Brian DeLeeuw. The latter is the author of This Way I Was Saved, the novel that served as inspiration for the film.
The central character is Luke (Miles Robbins), a college freshman experiencing mental problems. In his sad, solitary childhood, Luke often experienced abandonment, growing up with no father and worrying with his schizoid mother, Clare (Mary Stuart Masterson). His only company is Daniel (Patrick Schwarzenegger), a sinister imaginary friend who addresses him with authority, often pushing him to wrongdoing. Frightened of what his mind can do, Luke gets rid of Daniel for a certain period of time, but years later, following the suggestion of his unconventional psychiatrist, Dr. Cornelius Braun (Chukwudi Iwuji), he gives Daniel permission to follow him everywhere. This makes his mind spin out of control, threatening the relationship with his girlfriend, Cassie (Sasha Lane). Is Daniel a product of Luke’s mind or a supernatural demon looking for a weak host?
This violent, gloomy film got some deserved media attention thanks to the guts and gore, haunting atmospheres, and fine special effects. Whether this is your cup of tea or not, one must admire DeLeeuw for the mystic-induced creativity and Mortimer for the capably execution.
