LOGLINE

A young novice at an isolated convent is confronted with the sudden desire to explore her sexual self in the wake of meeting a blue-tongued lizard.

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ONE LINER

DANIEL is an unsettling, visceral exploration of female sexual repression, and the consequences of lack of self-acceptance.

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SYNOPSIS

Joan lives in an isolated convent in rural New Zealand where she seeks solace in the simplicity of routine and the promise of redemption. On the eve of her consecration Joan’s world is upturned when another novice is dangerously injured in an accident, and Joan is commanded to find help. Joan seeks assistance from a far-off neighbour – a solitary young Carpenter - and discovers an unusual sanctuary in his shed where he breeds locusts to feed to his pet blue tongued lizard – Daniel. 

This encounter is the beginning of an awakening for Joan. Too shy to get to know the Carpenter, she steals Daniel and uses him to reconnect with the long forgotten sensation of touch. But this confrontation of her unexplored and repressed sexuality becomes too much for Joan. In the lead up to taking her vows - and in attempt to regain control - Joan makes a decision with brutal consequences that will change the course of her life forever.