Doki Doki Literature Club (film)

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a 2024 American computer-animated psychological horror film produced by Team Salvato, based on the visual novel video game of the same name. Directed by Jordan Peele, produced by Jason Blum, and written by Dan Salvato. Production Team Salvato, and Annapurna Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures, the film follows a high school student who joins her school's literature club and soon discovers the dark secrets behind her fellow club members.

""Enter the world of literature, but be prepared to lose yourself in its darkest corners.""

- Tagline

The first horror computer-animated film of its kind, Doki Doki Literature Club! explores themes of mental health and the consequences of unchecked manipulation. With its unique blend of horror and psychological elements, the film has been praised for its innovative storytelling and captivating visuals.

Synopsis
The film follows a high school student who joins a literature club and becomes entangled in a dark and twisted world as the club members' personalities begin to unravel. As the protagonist delves deeper into the club's secrets, they must confront their own fears and navigate through an increasingly unsettling reality.

Voice Actors

 * Tom Holland voice of MC, he's very shy, but he soon finds himself drawn into a twisted world of love, friendship, and betrayal within the literature club. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the protagonist's unraveling mind and the chilling truths hidden within the club's seemingly innocent facade.
 * Emily Rudd voice of Monika, she's the charismatic and enigmatic leader of the literature club who harbors dark secrets and a desire for control. Her manipulative tactics and unsettling behavior serve as a catalyst for the protagonist's descent into madness, creating a tense and gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
 * Anna Kendrick voice of Sayori, MC's friend childhood, is a bright and cheerful character who want to join the literature club to spend more time with her friends. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sayori is struggling with inner demons and her bubbly exterior masks a deep sadness that adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
 * Emma Stone voice of Yuri, she's a reserved and mysterious member of the literature club who is drawn to dark and macabre themes in her writing. As the plot thickens, Yuri's obsession with horror and her intense emotions begin to manifest in disturbing ways, leading to a chilling and suspenseful turn of events.
 * Aubrey Plaza voice of Natsuki, she's a feisty and outspoken member of the literature club who initially clashes with the other characters due to her tsundere personality. Despite her tough exterior, Natsuki harbors a passion for baking and a vulnerable side that is gradually revealed as the story progresses.
 * Lena Headey voice of Project Libitina, she's the broken soul corrupted glitch. She's manipulate Monika and the other characters from behind the scenes, using her powers to sow chaos and discord within the game. Project Libitina's mysterious past and dark intentions add an element of danger and intrigue to the narrative, keeping players on edge as they uncover the truth behind her malevolent presence.
 * Michael Cera voice of Natsuki's Dad, he's drunk and neglectful, contributing to Natsuki's tough exterior and vulnerability. His absence in her life plays a significant role in shaping her character and struggles throughout the game.

Development
In August 2023, the developers announced plans to release a prequel DDLC that delves deeper into Monika's backstory and her connection to Project Libitina. This expansion will provide players with more insight into the events leading up to the main game, further expanding the lore and adding new layers of complexity to the overall narrative. The script to the company will focus on exploring Monika's motivations and actions, shedding light on her perspective and the darker elements of the game's universe.

In September 2023, the planning to make a movie for computer-animated adaptation of DDLC was also revealed, aiming to bring the beloved characters and story to a wider audience in a new and exciting format. This multimedia approach will allow fans to experience the world of DDLC in different ways, deepening their connection to the franchise.

In Sony Pictures Entertainment, discussions are underway to secure the rights for the film adaptation, with hopes of attracting top talent to bring this unique and captivating story to life on the big screen. The potential success of the movie could open up opportunities for future projects and collaborations within the DDLC universe.

Production film wrapped on the highly anticipated DDLC movie, with the team confident in their ability to capture the essence of the game and its characters. Fans can expect a visually stunning and emotionally impactful adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the original story.

Animation
The film is set to be released in theaters next year, generating excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting its premiere. The animation style chosen for the movie is expected to enhance the immersive experience for viewers, creating a visually stunning world that mirrors the game's unique aesthetic. The CGI animation will bring the characters to life in a way that is both faithful to the original designs and visually captivating. The team behind the movie has worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail, from character expressions to background settings, is meticulously crafted to immerse fans in the world of DDLC like never before.

Music
And performance "Your Reality" by Monika's voice actress, Jillian Ashcraft, is expected to be a standout moment in the film, capturing the emotional depth of the character and leaving a lasting impact on audiences. The combination of stunning visuals and powerful musical performances is sure to make the movie a truly unforgettable experience for fans of DDLC.

Release
In May 2024, it was announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment had acquired the rights to distribute the film Columbia Pictures. And Annapurna Pictures will join cause they have a strong track record of bringing unique and innovative projects to the big screen. This collaboration is sure to elevate the DDLC movie to new heights and reach a wide audience of both fans and newcomers alike.

Critical Reception
The film received widespread acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the beloved visual novel, with many praising the performances of the cast and the direction of the filmmakers. The film rated 9. 5 out of 10 on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a "must-see for fans of the game" and commending its emotional depth and storytelling. The box office numbers also reflected the positive reception, with the film grossing over $100 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

The Guardian gave the film a 4 out of 5 stars, stating that it was a "heartfelt and visually stunning tribute to the original source material." Overall, the film's success can be attributed to its ability to resonate with both fans and newcomers alike.

Release

 * USA: October 4, 2024.
 * Japan: October 18, 2024.