Daniela Forever is a 2024 science fiction romantic drama written and directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo. The film stars Henry Golding as Nicolas, a grieving man who signs up for an experimental clinical trial after losing his beloved Daniela, played by Beatrice Grannò. Through a lucid dream program, Nicolas is able to relive moments with her—but as the boundaries between memory and reality blur, the consequences take a surreal turn.
The film also features Rubén Ochandiano as Garrido, Aura Garrido as Teresa, Nathalie Poza as Victoria, Pilar Bergés as Susi, Rocío Saiz as Catalina, and Frank Feys as Doctor Raymond. Daniela Forever is set in Madrid, Spain, and the city is not just a background; it’s an important part of the story and the way it looks.
WHEN AND WHERE WAS DANIELA FOREVER FILMED?
The whole movie Daniela Forever was shot in Madrid, Spain. The director, Nacho Vigalondo, sees the city as a character in and of itself. The 2023 shoot took place in several of the city’s most famous locations. The screenplay initially didn’t specify a city, so Madrid wasn’t always a possibility. But once it was confirmed that the show would be in Madrid and English, Vigalondo changed some parts of the script to make the city come alive in a more real way.
GRAN VÍA – THE SPANISH BROADWAY
One of the iconic filming locations used in Daniela Forever is Gran Vía, one of Madrid’s busiest and most photographed streets. Gran Vía is often called “Spanish Broadway” because of its fancy buildings from the early 20th century and its busy shops, movie theaters, and cinemas. Scenes shot here give the movie a city feel, like Nicolas does when he’s dealing with his grief and wanders around the city. The grandness of Gran Vía is visually different from Nicolas’s private, inner dream world. This keeps the story grounded in reality while exploring the supernatural.
PUERTA DE ALCALÁ – A SYMBOLIC METAPHOR
Puerta de Alcalá, located in Plaza de la Independencia, also appears in the film—albeit in an unexpected form. During filming, the historical monument was undergoing renovation and was covered with a large printed photo of itself. Rather than avoid the disruption, Vigalondo embraced it. He chose to include the trompe l’oeil as a visual metaphor for the film’s central theme: the illusion of reality. This decision to capture Madrid “as it is” rather than idealize it adds authenticity and layered meaning to the film.
TEMPLE OF DEBOD – AN ECHO OF THE ANCIENT
Another notable location featured in the film is the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple reconstructed in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste. This serene and historical site provides a deeply symbolic backdrop in the film, aligning with themes of time, memory, and reconstruction. The quiet beauty of the temple juxtaposes the modern world of clinical trials and dream simulations, reinforcing the film’s exploration of how ancient emotions coexist with futuristic ideas.
PLAZA DE ESPAÑA – A MODERN URBAN LANDMARK
Another central location featured in Daniela Forever is Plaza de España, one of Madrid’s most visited squares. Located at the western end of Gran Vía, Plaza de España offers striking architecture, open spaces, and a perfect blend of old and new Madrid. The area includes iconic structures like the Torre de Madrid and Edificio España, which visually enhance the cityscape featured in the film.
MADRID AS A LIVING SET
Vigalondo was determined not to disguise Madrid as another city, as is often the case in international productions. Instead, he allowed its narrow streets, rooftops, traditional tapas bars, and residential neighborhoods to become part of the narrative structure. The characters, Nicolas and Daniela, are portrayed as two foreigners who fall in love and lose each other in this emotionally rich city.
In an interview with IndieWire, Henry Golding described his experience shooting in Madrid with a hint of humor, calling it “hell,” only to clarify that it was “the most fantastic experience.” He spoke fondly about bonding with co-star Beatrice Grannò and the director, often over shared tapas, highlighting how the city helped shape the production’s atmosphere.
TECHNICAL APPROACH – EMBRACING REALITY
The filmmakers took a bold creative approach during production by shooting parts of the film on Betacam, a vintage analog format. Nacho Vigalondo wanted a raw, nostalgic feel to contrast with the clean digital look of most modern sci-fi dramas. The use of this lighter, grainier footage captured the emotional rawness of Nicolas’s inner world and gave Madrid a tactile, almost dreamlike quality on screen.
MADRID – A CITY OF STORIES
Madrid’s cinematic landscape is no stranger to international and local productions. The city has hosted series like Berlin (Netflix), Red Queen (Prime Video), and Elite. With Daniela Forever, Vigalondo adds another emotionally resonant layer to Madrid’s screen legacy, portraying it not just as a place, but a living participant in the narrative.
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