What is the HBO documentary 'Daniel' all about?
Discover the compelling HBO documentary Daniel that delves into the captivating life of Daniel Northcott Uncover the intriguing story, meet the fascinating individuals involved, and decide if this thought-provoking film is worth your time
Check out the new HBO documentary "Daniel," which follows the adventures of Daniel Northcott. Find out what the documentary is about, who is involved, and whether it's worth watching. As we near the end of 2023, let's take a look back at the standout non-scripted TV offerings of the year, many of which came from HBO. The network's documentaries across various genres such as crime, history, and sports are known for their high production quality, diverse subject matter, and thorough exploration.
Some stand-out releases are the chilling "Great Photo, Lovely Life" by Amanda Mustard, the unsettling series on the Love Has Won cult, and the thought-provoking "Burden of Proof" which explores the mystery surrounding Jennifer Pandos. The narrators in these cases are often intimately involved, providing viewers with first-hand accounts of the events. However, Daniel takes this to a whole new level - here's everything you need to know about the new documentary film.
What is Daniel about?
Daniel is a documentary by Daniel Northcott about the life of a young man who passed away at the age of 29. Prior to his passing, he meticulously documented his life’s adventures, amassing over 1,400 hours of footage while exploring various parts of the globe.
Watch the trailer below:
According to the official synopsis, "Daniel Northcott's journey began when he first picked up his father's video camera. Over 1,400 hours of vérité-style footage from 42 countries across four continents culminate in Daniel, a raw and honest self-portrait of a young man driven by curiosity and a deep longing for understanding his place in the world."
Daniel's boundless thirst for life is evident as he travels the world, encountering breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences, and, most importantly, fascinating people. In his journeys, he makes it a point to collect a small item from each new place he visits as a memento of his adventures.
A crowdfunding campaign, launched before HBO picked up the story, highlighted a pivotal moment in Daniel's life. In April of 2007, his travels led him to an unexpected turn of events. Despite warnings of an ancient curse, he brought home a bone from a sacrificial Mayan burial cave in Yucatán. Just months later, he was diagnosed with leukemia - cancer of the bone marrow.
Daniel learned that he had only months to live, eight years into his film project. In a race against time, he worked tirelessly to complete his unfinished film, documenting every detail of his journey - from receiving the devastating news to undergoing medical treatments and sharing intimate moments with loved ones. Before passing away, Daniel entrusted his sister, Erin Northcott, with the footage, hoping that his film would be finished and shared. His wish has finally been fulfilled, with the film now available for viewing on Max.
Who’s in Daniel?
The content showcases Daniel Northcott and includes clips of the friends he met during his travels and his family members. Daniel is recognized as the director of the HBO documentary, while his sister Erin acts as a producer.
Additional producers for the documentary include Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff, Dan Walser, Ricky Staub, Adam McKay, and Kevin Messick. Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller serve as executive producers, and Tina Nguyen is the senior producer.
In an interview with TV Goodness, Erin expressed her hopes for what viewers will gain from the documentary: "Everyone will draw something different from this. Some may focus on the idea of a sacred object and how energy can become attached to it. Others may be inspired by Dan's relationships with his mother, his friends, and his family, and feel a desire to repair or deepen their own relationships."
HBO
"Many individuals will witness his journeys and interactions with various people. While he travels, he is not merely a casual visitor, nor is he present for just a fleeting moment. His purpose is to authentically connect with the land, the environment, and the inhabitants. Therefore, I believe that traveling with a more profound intention linked to our experiences could evolve.
I hope that all comes through. I want each viewer to be impacted and moved, whether they feel inspired to make changes or simply touched. It's incredible to see the impact my brother has had. His death at 29 was tragic for me, but perhaps for him, it was all he needed to feel fulfilled. He accomplished what he set out to do before he passed away.
Is Daniel worth watching?
Although it’s too early for a Rotten Tomatoes score, there have been a number of positive reviews for Daniel so far.
According to Meaww, the documentary "Daniel" weaves together hours of footage to tell the poignant and tragic story of a young man's exploration of the world and what it means to be human.
The Wall Street Journal's review of the film was mixed, with a statement that "Daniel" may be appealing to those interested in Mayan curses and possessed totems, but for others, it may come across as a confusing film filled with casual philosophizing and ad-libbed aphorisms about the interconnectedness of life by Northcott.
Watch Daniel now on Max and explore more of our documentary coverage:
- Great Photo, Lovely Life explained
- Love Has Won’s “3D” hospital
- How did John Gotti die?
- Who Killed Jill Dando?
- Where is Gypsy Rose Blanchard now?
- Russell Brand most shocking moments
- Scouts Honor
- The Lucie Blackman Case
- The Isabella Nardoni Case
- Who are the Duggars?
- Victim/Suspect explained
- Missing Dead or Alive explained
- The Playing Card Killer
- Take Care of Maya
- HBO’s Burden of Proof explained
- How to watch David Fuller: Monster in the Morgue
- How to watch Hart family murders documentary
- The Deepest Breath
- True story of Last Call
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am drawn to documentaries that offer a unique perspective on life and challenge conventional thinking. "Daniel" seems to fit this mold perfectly. The story of a young man who meticulously documented his life's adventures, only to be diagnosed with leukemia and given just months to live, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Daniel's determination to complete his film project against all odds is a testament to the human spirit and the power of storytelling.
The documentary also raises intriguing questions about the nature of fate and the role of chance in our lives. Was Daniel's encounter with the ancient Mayan burial cave and the subsequent diagnosis of leukemia a mere coincidence, or was there something more profound at play? These are the kind of thought-provoking themes that make "Daniel" a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human existence.
