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‘Donnie Darko’: THR’s 2001 Review
Richard Kelly’s *Donnie Darko*, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jena Malone, opened in cinemas on 26 October 2001 after its Sundance debut. The original review describes a darkly comic story of teenage alienation and suburban life, whose mix of satire and paranormal elements appealed to some viewers but left others baffled.
The film follows Donnie, a troubled and gifted teenager who hears voices and sees a frightening rabbit called Frank. He clashes with parents, teachers, bullies and other authority figures, while the story combines black comedy, teenage angst and supernatural events. The reviewer praised its sharp humour and inventive style but said its increasingly complex narrative ultimately became confusing; the film earned just over $8 million worldwide.
In short
- *Donnie Darko* blends teenage angst, satire and paranormal events.
- The review praised its humour but found the story confusing.
- The film made just over $8 million worldwide.
Explained simply
Donnie Darko is a 2001 film written and directed by Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie and Jena Malone as his friend Gretchen. Set in suburban America, it follows Donnie as he struggles with family, school and other authority figures while experiencing visions of a frightening rabbit called Frank.
The film mixes teenage alienation and black comedy with paranormal events, so its story can be read both as a portrait of adolescence and as something more mysterious. That blend divided viewers: some were drawn to its humour and unusual style, while others found the plot difficult to follow.