Henry Golding Reflects on Grief, Dreams, and Sci-Fi in "Daniela Forever"

Henry Golding, known for his versatile roles in films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "The Old Guard 2," delves into the complexities of grief and reality in the upcoming psychological sci-fi romance, "Daniela Forever." In an exclusive interview, Golding discussed his attraction to the role of Nicolás, a man grappling with the loss of his girlfriend, Daniela, and his experience working with director Nacho Vigalondo.

Exploring Loss and Reality Through Sci-Fi

"Daniela Forever" presents a unique narrative where Nicolás participates in a groundbreaking sleep therapy that simulates reality in an attempt to cope with his grief. As the lines between dreams and reality blur, he is forced to confront the true meaning of healing and letting go. The film, distributed by Well Go USA Entertainment, explores themes of loss, isolation, and the challenges of emotional recovery.

A Collaborative Creative Process

Golding praised director Nacho Vigalondo's collaborative approach, emphasizing how Vigalondo encouraged input from the cast. "He's so collaborative and not in a singular way protective of his idea," Golding said, referring to Vigalondo's willingness to incorporate Golding's and co-star Beatrice Grannò's perspectives into the characters. Vigalondo, who also wrote the script, drew from personal experiences, creating a deeply personal project that he was open to sharing with his actors.

The Nuances of Character Dynamics

Golding highlighted the challenge of portraying Nicolás's confusion as he navigates the shifting realities within the film. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the dream world and reality, noting how Nicolás's perception becomes increasingly blurred as the story progresses. This ambiguity influenced his interactions with the other characters, particularly Daniela (Beatrice Grannò) and Victoria (Nathalie Poza), adding layers of complexity to their relationships.

The Impact of Lucid Dreaming

The film's exploration of lucid dreaming resonated with Golding, who expressed fascination with the concept. "I think we all have the ability to do it," he stated, describing the experience as entering "the biggest playground that you could possibly have." He also acknowledged the fleeting nature of lucid dreams, comparing it to the sensation of losing control while flying. According to Dr. Eleanor Rosch, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in dream research, "Lucid dreaming offers a fascinating window into the plasticity of consciousness and the potential for self-directed experiences within the dream state." She adds that films exploring this theme can raise awareness and spark interest in the scientific study of consciousness.

Challenging Emotional Scenes

Golding revealed that one of the most demanding scenes involved Nicolás waking up, uncertain of whether he was in reality or the dream world, and reliving Daniela's death. He described the scene as emotionally draining, requiring him to tap into deep reserves of emotion to convey the character's profound loss. The scene was filmed in a single take to capture the full emotional journey, providing Golding with a unique opportunity to explore the character's grief.

Current Trends in Sci-Fi Romance

“Daniela Forever” taps into a growing trend in science fiction cinema, where romantic narratives are intertwined with speculative concepts. This approach, seen in films like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Her," allows filmmakers to explore complex themes of love, loss, and identity through a unique lens. Dr. Anya Sharma, a film studies professor, notes that "These films often resonate with audiences because they use fantastical elements to explore universal human experiences, offering fresh perspectives on timeless themes."

Release Information

"Daniela Forever," starring Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, and Nathalie Poza, is currently available in select theaters and on digital platforms. The film also features Aura Garrido and Rubén Ochandiano in supporting roles.