Do I need to see Donnie Darko first?

Technically yes, as it follows Samantha Darko from the first film, but the plot is so disconnected that you'd be confused either way. Honestly, seeing the first one just makes this one more disappointing.

Is Richard Kelly involved in this one?

No. The original creator had nothing to do with this sequel, which is why the tone and 'rules' of the universe feel so off compared to the first movie.

Is it actually a horror movie?

It's more of a psychological thriller with supernatural elements, but it uses many horror tropes like jump scares and disturbing visions.

Why is the rating so low?

Critics and fans felt it was a blatant cash-grab that lacked the intelligence and originality of the first film. The acting and script are generally considered much weaker.

S. Darko

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2009

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A messy, unnecessary sequel to Donnie Darko that swaps the original's eerie brilliance for generic sci-fi tropes and a 13% Rotten Tomatoes score.

13%

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S. Darko

movie

R, 2009

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A messy, unnecessary sequel to Donnie Darko that swaps the original's eerie brilliance for generic sci-fi tropes and a 13% Rotten Tomatoes score.

13%

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13%

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Screenwise Verdict

If you're looking for the magic of the original Donnie Darko, keep looking. This is a textbook example of a 'straight-to-DVD' sequel that misses the point of its predecessor entirely. It’s bleak, confusing, and—worst of all—it's just not very good.

With a 1.6 on Letterboxd and a dismal critic score, the consensus is clear: this is a skip. It trades the brainy, eerie atmosphere of the first film for generic horror tropes and a plot that feels like it’s going nowhere slowly. Unless you're doing a deep dive into 'sequels that failed,' your time is better spent elsewhere.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (17+) and adults. Given the low ratings and disturbing content, it's a tough sell for anyone, but it's definitely not for younger kids who aren't ready for heavy psychological distress.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Bleak, nihilistic, and focused on apocalyptic dread. It lacks the emotional core that made the original film resonant, opting instead for hollow angst.

Imaginative

It attempts to play with the sci-fi lore of its predecessor, but it mostly just recycles tropes without adding any fresh or creative perspective.

Safe

Rated for ages 17+ by Common Sense Media due to disturbing imagery, psychological distress, and mature themes. It is not a 'safe' pick for a family movie night.

Enriching

Critically panned and widely disliked by audiences. It offers very little in the way of ethical or cognitive growth, serving mostly as a cautionary tale for bad sequels.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It stars Daveigh Chase, who returns to play Samantha Darko seven years after the original film's events.
For Donnie Darko completionists, it provides a glimpse into what happened to the rest of the family, even if the execution is lacking.
The desert setting provides a stark, atmospheric backdrop for the bizarre visions and apocalyptic themes.

⚠

What to Watch For

The movie is notably slow and confusing, which can lead to a lot of frustration for viewers expecting a coherent sci-fi thriller.
It contains disturbing psychological imagery and a nihilistic tone that is much more intense than your average teen drama.
There is a significant drop in quality from the first film; if your kid loved the original, this might actually sour the experience for them.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think some movies are better off without a sequel?"
"How does Samantha’s journey compare to what Donnie went through in the first movie?"
"What did you think about the 'tangent universe' concept—did it make more or less sense this time around?"
"Do you think the ending was meant to be hopeful or just another loop?"

Deep Dive

The Sequel Curse in Full Effect

There is a specific kind of disappointment that comes with a sequel made without the original creator's involvement. S. Darko was directed by Chris Fisher, not Richard Kelly (who wrote and directed the original), and that absence is felt in every frame. While the first film felt like a personal, high-concept labor of love, this one feels like a brand extension that didn't quite know what to do with the brand it was extending.

Why it Fails the 'WISE' Test

The original Donnie Darko is a staple for a certain type of thoughtful, moody teenager because it respects their intelligence and their angst. S. Darko does the opposite. It assumes that 'weird visions' and 'impending doom' are enough to make a movie deep. The result is a film that feels emotionally hollow.

For parents, the safety concern here isn't just about the 'scary' parts—it's the nihilism. There’s no payoff to the suffering, which makes it a pretty grim watch for a developing brain. If you have a teen who is obsessed with the first movie, they might feel the need to see this just to check it off the list. If that's the case, let them watch it, but be ready for the 'that was it?' conversation afterward. Better yet, point them toward other surrealist sci-fi that actually has something to say, like Arrival or The Truman Show.

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S. Darko – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise