Released in 2001, Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller that follows the troubled teenager Donnie, who narrowly avoids a bizarre death when a jet engine crashes into his bedroom. Donnie begins to experience visions of a menacing figure in a rabbit costume, Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. Over the course of the film, Donnie uncovers layers of alternate realities, mental illness, and predestination, all interwoven with complex concepts of time manipulation. The film explores the idea of a tangent universe, parallel to the real one, and the use of time travel as a mechanism to restore balance between the two. Donnie’s mental state deteriorates as he grapples with his role in this cosmic plan. Ultimately, the film builds toward an ambiguous conclusion involving the collapse of the tangent universe, hinting at the cyclic nature of time and the idea that Donnie’s sacrifice was necessary to restore the primary timeline. Donnie Darko has since become a cult classic for its exploration of alternate realities, fate, and existential dread.
