Daniela Forever is a sci-fi melodrama where love and grief intertwine in the realm of lucid dreams. Nicolas, a young man from Madrid, has recently lost Daniela—the love of his life. To cope with the loss, he agrees to take part in an experiment in which he’s given a pill that triggers lucid dreams. Now, every night, he reunites with Daniela in a dream world where their relationship feels nearly perfect. But each morning, he wakes up alone in the real world, and the sorrow returns with renewed intensity.
Director Nacho Vigalondo uses distinct techniques to separate the two worlds. The dreams are filmed in a modern fantasy style, filled with vivid and surreal imagery. Daytime reality is shown through a Betacam lens, giving those scenes a raw, simple, documentary-like feel. This approach helps the viewer stay oriented and underscores the contrast between Nicolas’s dreams and waking life. The lead role is played by Henry Golding (known for Crazy Rich Asians), who skillfully conveys the inner struggle of a man torn between the desire to stay in his dreams and the need to accept his loss.
The protagonist uses several techniques to control his dreams. First and foremost is the pill, which triggers lucidity in sleep. Then, Nicolas repeatedly reminds himself that he’s dreaming, which helps him direct the plot. Visualization becomes a key method as he creates the details and emotions that make his encounters with Daniela feel vivid and real. But the film also issues a caution: full immersion in dreams carries risks, and returning to the waking world is essential to avoid getting lost in one’s illusions.
The world premiere took place on September 5, 2024, at the Toronto International Film Festival. Releases in other countries are scheduled for summer 2025.
Have you ever had a lucid dream where you met the deceased—someone you were unable or unwilling to let go?
The trailer is available on YouTube:
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