Daniel’s Gotta Die – Toronto After Dark 2023

TADFF 2023 Review Daniel's Gotta Die

Content Advisory: Animal cruelty or animal death

The greedy children of a millionaire plan to kill their younger brother for his share of the inheritance. Daniel Powell () is the youngest child of millionaire Edward James Powell (). Daniel, who just got engaged to marry Emily (), meets his father on his deathbed and expresses the desire to unite his older siblings Mia ( Lynn Rajskub), Victor (), and Jessica () together as a family. However, Edward instead throws out his original will and gives all his inheritance to Daniel. According to Edward’s assistant Laurence (Bob Sagat), the siblings will only get a share if they can spend the weekend together at the family beach house. As a result, Mia, Victor, and Jessica all plot to kill Daniel and take the money for themselves.

Synopsis

Daniel’s Gotta Die is a dark comedy directed by LaLonde (James vs His Future Self) starring Joel David Moore (Avatar) as the titular Daniel, the sole inheritor of his millionaire father Edward’s fortune. (24), Jason Jones, and Carly Chaikin (Mr. Robot) co-star as Daniel’s ingreatful siblings Mia, Victor, and Jessica, who all come up with their plans to kill Daniel before the weekend is through; however, in Jessica’s case, she sends her mailman-disguised boyfriend Pierce () to do the deed. At the same time, upon learning he does not receive a share of the fortune, Edward’s assistant Laurence plans to steal the money while the siblings fight among themselves.

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My Thoughts on Daniel’s Gotta Die

Despite having a plot set-up that’s not unlike a murder mystery such as Knives Out, I would have to describe Daniel’s Gotta Die as less a whodunnit and more a whodoesint. Almost every character in the film except for Daniel, his fiance Emily, and Mia’s poor and suffering assistant Carter () are horrible human beings. However, they also end up being incredibly incompetent, and part of the fun of watching Daniel’s Gotta Die is the hilarity that ensues as they fail to kill one person. As such, Daniel’s Gotta Die is one entertaining look at sibling rivalry at its worst.

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Trailer for Daniel’s Gotta Die – Toronto After Dark 2023

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Sean Patrick Kelly

Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.

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