October 1988 and smalltown USA is about to witness the end of the world. It's home to Donnie Darko a brilliant but troubled teenager, plagued by terrifying visions he alone knows the meaning of.

With his class mate and soul mate Gretchen and a mysterious ex-teacher, nicknamed Grandma Deathhe must unravel the strange occurrences affecting his school, his home and his life before a horrifying spectre known only as 'Frank' leads Donnie to the edge of his sanity.