S. Darko

Seven years after the initial release of its successful predecessor, S. Darko, a film directed by Chris Fisher, picks up where the cult classic Donnie Darko left off. This movie made its mark in 2009 in the science fiction and thriller genre. Movie enthusiasts who crave mind-bending narratives thrive on the intellectual acrobatics that S. Darko demands.

The film centers on Daveigh Chase who reprises her role as Samantha Darko, the younger sister of the title character from the original film, Donnie Darko. Having lost her brother in the tragic incident that formed the crux of the first movie, Samantha is a lost soul, haunted both by her brother's death and the psychic abilities that seem to run in her family.

Years after Donnie's death, a now 18-year-old Samantha embarks on a road trip to Los Angeles with her best friend Corey, played by Briana Evigan. They hope to escape their small town and start afresh, far away from the surreal events that took place, but their plans become derailed in a small desert town. When their car breaks down, they become stranded, trapped in a place that they never intended to stay.

Days turn into weeks when Samantha begins to have terrifying visions, leading her to believe that she has inherited her brother's ability to perceive time and space in unique ways. Her original intention of running away from her past gets challenged as she now confronts her psychic abilities.

The narrative thickens as an unexplained meteorite crash leads Samantha into a deep metaphysical journey, similar to the temporal exploration narrated in the first film. While attempting to understand the implications of this bizarre event, Samantha meets Iraq Jack, portrayed by James Lafferty. Jack, a former Army soldier, provides another pinch of mystery to the story due to his continuous sleepwalking episodes and the odd talk about the end of the world.

Adding to the intricacy of this tale are the colorful characters of this small desert town and the ominous threads they add to this intricate tapestry. Samantha’s visions grow more intense, and as she attempts to decipher them, she can't help but feel that history is repeating itself, dragging her into a tragic role she is desperate to avoid.

The film's cinematography reflects the existential questions it poses, using wide, sprawling shots of barren desert, perfectly capturing the isolation and emptiness that Samantha feels - a nod to the visual style of the original movie. This movie also makes use of special effects, not just as a thrilling spectacle but as a tool to illustrate Samantha’s otherworldly experiences.

The director, Chris Fisher, emulates Richard Kelly's style from the first film but brings his unique touch to the canvas. The movie continues using an impending doomsday as a backdrop, the eerie bunny figure makes a return, and so does the concept of a universe unraveling due to a time paradox.

On the performance front, Daveigh Chase is incredible, showing maturity in her acting prowess compared to the first film. Briana Evigan offers compelling support, fleshing out her rebellious character with conviction. And as Iraq Jack, James Lafferty gives a convincing portrayal of a war veteran trapped in his own mental and emotional struggles.

S. Darko, while referencing and revering the original, takes its characters and narrative on an entirely new path. It is a somber, haunting exploration of grief, guilt, destiny, and the persistent question of how much control we truly have over our lives and the universe. Just like its predecessor, S. Darko will leave viewers dissecting and pondering what they just witnessed, long after the credits have rolled.