Donnie Darko

Haunted by visions of a giant bunny rabbit predicting the end of the world, a troubled teenager must unravel the mysteries of time travel to save himself and those he loves.

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Overview

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Unique Selling Point

This highly original and compelling script, "Donnie Darko," stands out from others in its genre with its distinctive elements and thought-provoking storytelling. It delves into themes of fate, free will, and the complexities of human nature through a captivating blend of mystery, philosophy, and humor. The unique character dynamics, innovative narrative techniques, and exploration of existential questions create a truly captivating cinematic experience. "Donnie Darko" offers a blend of genres, including sci-fi, coming-of-age, and psychological thriller, delivering a fresh and unforgettable story that will resonate with audiences long after the credits have rolled.

AI Verdict & Suggestions

This rating is from a single AI engine based on structure, character, tone, and emotional engagement.

Gemini
 Consider
Story Facts

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Comedy, Fantasy, Psychological Thriller, Psychological, Romance, Science Fiction

Setting: The screenplay takes place in the late 1980s., The story is set in a suburban neighborhood and a high school.

Themes: Time Travel and Fate, Teenage Angst and Loneliness, The Power of Love and Connection, The Importance of Education, The Dangers of Arrogance and Ignorance, The Strength of Family, The Complexity of Good and Evil

Conflict & Stakes: The primary conflicts in this story revolve around Donnie's struggle with his mental health, his encounters with Frank and the concept of time travel, and the impending end of the world. The stakes are high as Donnie's actions and choices have the potential to impact not only his own life but also the lives of those around him.

Mood: The overall mood of the screenplay is dark, mysterious, and introspective.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The concept of time travel and the mysterious figure of Frank in a bunny suit.
  • Plot Twist: The revelation of the true nature of Frank and the consequences of Donnie's actions.
  • Distinctive Setting: The suburban neighborhood and high school provide a familiar backdrop for the story's surreal elements.

Comparable Scripts: Donnie Darko (2001 Film), Looper (2012 Film), The Butterfly Effect (2004 Film), Primer (2004 Film), Dark (2017 TV Series), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1979 Novel), Slaughterhouse-Five (1969 Novel), The Time Traveler's Wife (2003 Novel), The Truman Show (1998 Film), The Adjustment Bureau (2011 Film)

Script Level Analysis

This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.

Screenplay Insights

Breaks down your script along various categories.

Story Critique
Big-picture feedback on the story’s clarity, stakes, cohesion, and engagement.
Characters

Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.

Emotional Analysis

Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.

Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Evaluates character motivations, obstacles, and sources of tension throughout the plot.
Themes
Analysis of the themes of the screenplay and how well they’re expressed.
Logic & Inconsistencies
Highlights any contradictions, plot holes, or logic gaps that may confuse viewers.

Scene Analysis

All of your scenes analyzed individually and compared, so you can zero in on what to improve.

Scene-Level Percentile Chart
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Other Analyses

This section looks at the extra spark — your story’s voice, style, world, and the moments that really stick. These insights might not change the bones of the script, but they can make it more original, more immersive, and way more memorable. It’s where things get fun, weird, and wonderfully you.

Unique Voice
Assesses the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's voice.
Writer's Craft
Analyzes the writing to help the writer be aware of their skill and improve.
Memorable Lines
Spotlights standout dialogue lines with emotional or thematic power.
Tropes
Highlights common or genre-specific tropes found in the script.
World Building
Evaluates the depth, consistency, and immersion of the story's world.
Correlations
Identifies patterns in scene scores.
Loglines
Presents logline variations based on theme, genre, and hook.