In theaters July 11th
Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo Cast: Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, Aura Garrido, Rubén Ochandiano, & Nathalie Poza
At the heart of Spanish filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo’s latest cinematic venture, Daniela Forever, lies a bold exploration of grief, love, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams. Known for his genre-bending films like Timecrimes (2007) and Colossal (2016), Vigalondo has once again delivered a thought-provoking sci-fi romance that premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and hit theaters in the U.S. on July 11, 2025. In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Vigalondo shares his creative process, his passion for storytelling, and why he hopes Daniela Forever will ignite discussions long after the credits roll.
A Personal Connection to Austin and Beyond
Vigalondo’s affection for Austin, Texas, sets the stage for our conversation. “Austin, Texas, right now,” he declares when asked about his favorite city. “What I do works in Austin better than anywhere else in the world, and I will never know why.” This enigmatic connection to the city reflects the filmmaker’s own unpredictable and introspective approach to his craft. His films, much like Austin’s eclectic vibe, thrive on defying expectations and embracing the unexpected.
The Genesis of Daniela Forever
Daniela Forever follows Nicolas (Henry Golding), a British DJ in Madrid grappling with the loss of his girlfriend, Daniela (Beatrice Grannò), after a tragic accident. When offered a chance to participate in an experimental sleep trial that induces lucid dreaming, Nicolas seizes the opportunity to reconstruct his life with Daniela, only to find the boundaries between dream and reality dissolving. The film, a Spanish-Belgian co-production, blends sci-fi existentialism with romance, drawing comparisons to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Inception, yet remains distinctly Vigalondo’s own.
Reflecting on the film’s reception, Vigalondo admits to initial nerves. “The very first reactions in festivals were conflicted,” he says. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, what’s going on? What have I done?’” But as audiences engaged with the film, its slow-burn narrative and provocative themes began to resonate. “The movie landed slowly, and now it’s getting better and better,” he notes, emphasizing how context shapes audience perception in ways that are hard to predict.
Crafting a Cinematic Adventure
For Vigalondo, filmmaking is about discovery—not just for the audience, but for himself. “I love the feeling of constant discovery,” he explains. “When I go to the theater and I feel like I have no map anymore, and the movie’s taking me to a place I have no idea where it’s going—that’s what I like the most.” This philosophy drives Daniela Forever, a film that defies conventional storytelling with its surreal visuals and emotional depth. By alternating between a gritty 4:3 aspect ratio for Nicolas’s waking life and a vibrant widescreen for his dream world, Vigalondo creates a stark contrast that mirrors the protagonist’s fractured psyche.
The casting of Henry Golding as Nicolas was a serendipitous coup. “I’m not part of that 1% of filmmakers who have the power to decide who’s making the movie,” Vigalondo laughs. “I’m in the bigger group who just hope things go right.” When Golding’s team reached out, expressing interest in the complex role of Nicolas—a character who is both protagonist and antagonist—Vigalondo was thrilled. “Henry Golding is stepping out of his comfort zone,” he says. “I feel the luckiest human being on earth when these things happen.” Golding’s performance, paired with Grannò’s as the enigmatic Daniela, grounds the film’s high-concept premise in raw emotion.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Vigalondo’s journey to Daniela Forever is rooted in adaptability, a lesson he learned from his Oscar-nominated short film 7:35 in the Morning (2003). “I wrote that film because I wanted to write something that could be done with a €12,000 budget and shot in two days,” he recalls. “If I wasn’t smart enough to adapt reality to my thing, I would have failed.” His advice to aspiring filmmakers is clear: “Be talented and clever enough to be a tailor. Adjust the script to what’s happening around you.” For Daniela Forever, this meant tailoring the story to fit Golding and Grannò’s casting, transforming a British DJ and an Italian artist into a perfect reflection of the script’s themes of displacement and discovery.
Staying True to the Story
Throughout the creative process, Vigalondo emphasizes sincerity. “Choose the one that feels more sincere, the real thing coming from you,” he advises when faced with creative crossroads. “Even if that exposes things about you that you don’t like to talk about.” This authenticity permeates Daniela Forever, which Vigalondo describes as a deeply personal exploration of grief, despite its sci-fi trappings. “When I go through grief myself, I feel the urge to write about the feelings I’m having,” he shares. The result is a film that’s both a genre adventure and a raw reflection of human longing.
Sparking Discussion
Vigalondo’s ultimate hope for Daniela Forever is that it lives on through audience debate. “A movie that triggers discussion afterwards stays alive for longer,” he says. “I’m happy with people having differing opinions of the ending. That’s the best I can ask for.” Whether it’s the film’s cryptic, surreal conclusion or its unflinching look at the darker side of love and control, Daniela Forever invites viewers to question, reflect, and argue—a testament to Vigalondo’s commitment to keeping cinema vibrant and alive.
As Daniela Forever hits theaters, it’s clear Vigalondo has once again crafted a film that’s as challenging as it is captivating. With its innovative visuals, stellar performances, and a narrative that dares to venture into uncharted territory, this sci-fi romance is poised to linger in the minds of audiences, sparking conversations that will keep it alive for years to come.
Daniela Forever is now playing in select theaters, distributed by Well Go USA. Don’t miss the chance to experience Nacho Vigalondo’s latest adventure—one that’s sure to surprise, unsettle, and inspire.
