“A haunted miasma of youthful alienation, suburban malaise, cosmic upheaval, and 1980s pop-cultural infatuation.” - Justin Chang, L.A. Times

"Haunting and altogether exquisite." - Leslie Felperin, Sight & Sound

"Kelly is a supple and courageous storyteller, boldly free-associating as he mixes parody and satire with earnest psychodrama and coming up with plot points no one could anticipate." - Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader

In January 2001, writer-director Richard Kelly's assured, genre-bending feature film debut DONNIE DARKO premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, introducing audiences to the depth of Jake Gyllenhaal's talent, and signaling an exciting new voice in American independent cinema. Part moody horror, part time travel mystery, with injections of HARVEY and punctuated with pop music from Tears For Fears and Echo & the Bunnymen, DONNIE DARKO was praised for its captivating and provocative perspectives on 1980s America, teenage angst, and the science fiction genre. Set in 1988, brooding suburbanite teen Donnie is visited by troubling visions, strange happenings, and a 6'1" bunny named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. Revisiting the film twenty years after its release - with a new 4K DCP provided by American Genre Film Archives - and after the at times apocalyptic traumas of 2020, brings new perspective to Kelly's vision, and a fresh opportunity to revisit this cult classic. Bunny suits are welcome, but not required. (Rebecca Fons)

Festivals, Awards & Nominations

Winner - Young Filmmakers Showcase, Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2002)
Winner - Silver Scream Award, Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival (2002)
Nominee - Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Film Independent Spirit Awards (2002)
Nominee - Grand Jury Prize, Dramatic, Sundance Film Festival (2002)

For the safety and comfort of our audience members and employees, we will have the following safety protocols in place for at least the first two weeks after we reopen:

  • Masks required by all staff and patrons at all times

  • Staggered showtimes and ample time between shows to mitigate crowds

  • Ticket pre-orders for films encouraged to reduce lines 

  • Hand sanitizer and disposable face masks available for patrons

  • Only 50% of our tickets will be available for sale so that we can ensure a safe movie-going experience

  • In light of the latest health updates from the city of Chicago, and in accordance with the School of the Art Institute, we will not be selling concessions nor allowing outside food or drink for at least the first two weeks of business. 

  • If you are feeling unwell or have a fever, please stay home and stream films until you feel better

Note: protocols are subject to change, per new or evolving information.