Unnecessary Existence: S. Darko

It should come as no surprise, to fans and filmmakers alike, that the much un-anticipated sequel to Donnie Darko has fared negatively. Were it not for the deplorably numerous and parasitic references to the original and a fifty percent similar title, this film would be a unrecognizable, straight to DVD, low budget-teen-trash picture promoting itself as ‘Donnie Darko Sequel!’

Perhaps an alternatively apt introduction would articulate director Chris Fisher’s complete and blatant disregard for the source material and those of us the love it. Bragging about YouTube death threats on the DVD commentary and laughing at his IMDB defenders is a surefire way to let people you know you enjoyed desecrating their film. And had it not been for the money hungry, lets-sap-whatever-we-can from a box office failure turn $10 million dollar DVD return, then said desecration of a dark, teenage cult thriller puzzle film would not be the topic of this writing.

Where Richard Kelly’s film succeeded, Fisher’s film becomes cheap imitation. Despite attempts to add to the dark and mysterious lore, newfound elements in the shape of meteoric tessaracts and a glowing feather go unexplained and unwarranted. Images that stood fascinating and relevant in the first become shameless references dependent on established connections to the story.

The story itself is a near retelling of the first, of course, the second time around it is strained for new directions, muddled with plagiarism, and inherently unsuccessful at capturing the confused, innocent, and insecure tone of its predecessor. Where namesake Donnie’s teenage escapades developed a troubled youth, Samantha’s expose nothing but writer’s block and immature vies at attracting an alternative audience.

If this film had been asked for, then perhaps it could have succeeded. But it was not. And now it has not. This, a revelation that should come as no surprise to a film that lacks of originality and forethought, should be kept in mind before the third installment continues on its path.