“I prefer for people to gradually uncover the real challenges”
By Rossana Azuero
“Daniela Forever” is a compelling film by director Nacho Vigalondo, starring Henry Golding and Beatrice Grannò, blending science fiction and comedy in a story about the pain of loss and the astonishing parallels between life and death.
Synopsis.
Nicolás loses all meaning in life after his girlfriend Daniela dies. One day, he’s invited to join a clinical trial that allows him to control his dreams, and he agrees, hoping to heal. Now, Nicolás can dream of Daniela every night and rekindle their relationship—more idyllic than ever—though only in his dreams, risking becoming lost in them forever.
Vigalondo explains what inspired him to develop such a unique concept as “Daniela Forever.”
“The real inspiration came from having gone through grief, a deep depression. I wanted this film to explore something extraordinary yet universal—death and mourning—but in a way that includes special effects, funny scenes, tension, horror, comedy—basically, scenes from every genre.”
The Spanish screenwriter reflects.
“The longer I live, the more experience I gain, and that’s inevitable. What matters is whether that experience leads you somewhere good—or not—and that’s important to recognize. Experience alone isn’t inherently good; if it were, every director’s films would keep getting better, but we know that’s not the case. In fact, I think I’ve evolved, especially in terms of pure visual style, because I feel freer and more capable now. Maybe before, the script was more central, and I was more tied to it. Now, I’m clearer that the image is the ultimate language in our films.”
When asked about the challenges of this film, Nacho says, “I’d end up revealing what’s hidden in the movie, so I prefer for people to gradually uncover the real challenges—which aren’t few. There are many, and it’s hard for me to talk sincerely about this when making cinema is a process I consider the ultimate pleasure—enjoying that process.”
For the director, who has made both feature films and shorts, embracing the past takes him back to unforgettable moments from his early days.
“I’m part of the generation born—in my case—in 1977. I had the chance to use home video cameras as a teenager, and thanks to working with those cameras, I could fantasize about becoming a film director, which, thank God, I did, because I don’t know what else I’d do with my life. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to make five films.”
Finally, Nacho Vigalondo talks about his next project, which revolves around singer Yurena’s artistic beginnings.
“Superestar” is a series I shot for Netflix, premiering on July 18. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done.”
RossanaAzu@aol.com
