LO3: Understand how meaning is created in media product.

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_k1gMHr93M

'Daniel Isn't Real' is a psychological horror set in our world where a young, troubled boy Luke resurrects his imaginary friend to help him cope with the world around him. The imaginary friend helps him to become a more bold, charismatic person before pushing him into a desperate fight for Lukes soul. 

The genre is Psychological horror/thriller.

 

The two protagonists of the movie are Luke and Cassie. Unlike most white male protagonists, Luke is a shy introverted man who struggles in social situations and who would rather avoid people than be the centre of attention. This is until Luke meets Cassie, a strong independent female artist who is trying to find her place in the world. Despite Daniel trying to make Luke a different person, Cassie sees Luke for who he really is and helps him when no one else can. 

The antagonist 'Daniel' is a demonic entity who pretends to be Lukes imaginary friend that helps him cope with the world around him. Daniel appears as a slick white man in a leather jacket who is bold and forthright. Daniel is the antithesis of Luke, an almost 'ideal self' for him. Daniel helps Luke to become that person but as a result slowly starts to take over and posses Luke with sinister intentions in mind. 

Both Luke and Cassie could be seen 'damsel is distress' characters. Luke is desperate for solutions as he slowly starts to surrender control to Daniel and turns to Cassie for help. Cassie helps Luke find his true self and gives him the strength and motivation to keep fighting against Daniel when Daniel inevitably takes control. Daniel, seeking to kill anyone who Luke loves, targets Cassie first as she had previously tried to help Luke to get rid of Daniel. Cassie is able to recognise the danger she is in and fight off the possessed Luke, as he fights for control of his body to save Cassie. Instead of one character just being the 'damsel' that needed to be saved, both rely on each other for help and defend each other through the conflict.

Protagonist Cassie is played by Sasha Lane, who was born and grew up in Dallas, Texas. Her father is African-American, and her mother, who is from New Zealand, is of Māori descent. 

Protagonist Luke is played by Miles Robbins, who was born in New York, United States. 

Antagonist Daniel is played by Patrick Schwarzenegger was born in California, United States.

Daniel Isn't Real- 'I imagined you' scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW8qTDKrgp0

The primary action scenes follow one after the other in the final act when Daniel finally takes control of Lukes body. The final fight between Daniel and Luke takes place on the roof of Cassie