D.A.R.Y.L.
An amnesiac boy with astonishing abilities finds a temporary family while powerful adults try to reclaim the secret of his identity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- nostalgic
- gentle
- hopeful
- family movie night
- 1980s nostalgia viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded D.A.R.Y.L. as bland, predictable, and formulaic family entertainment, while acknowledging its accessible premise and satisfying emotional resolution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Daryl's amnesia and unusual abilities conceal his identity as an engineered android.
Scientists and authorities seek control of Daryl while the Richardson family protects him.
Joyce and Andy Richardson take Daryl in and develop a parental bond while helping him find his origins.
The story places Daryl's domestic and childhood experiences alongside computers, aircraft, autopilot technology, and military pursuit.
Films like D.A.R.Y.L., and why
Short Circuit
shared family-oriented science fiction, child protagonist, and warm android identity themes
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
shared 1980s youth adventure, suburban family relationships, and government-linked science fiction
The Last Starfighter
shared boy-centered adventure, technological wonder, and pursuit by adult authorities
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
shared family science fiction, childlike artificial intelligence, and emotional questions about personhood
Movie Details
- Director
- Simon Wincer
- Release Date
- 1985-06-14
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (381)
Cast
- Barret Oliver
- Mary Beth Hurt
- Michael McKean
- Kathryn Walker
- Colleen Camp
- Josef Sommer
- Steve Ryan
- Ron Frazier
- David Wohl
- Danny Corkill
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is D.A.R.Y.L. about?
- An amnesiac boy with astonishing abilities finds a temporary family while powerful adults try to reclaim the secret of his identity.
- What is D.A.R.Y.L. like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of D.A.R.Y.L. as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is D.A.R.Y.L. violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in D.A.R.Y.L. as mild.
- What did critics think of D.A.R.Y.L.?
- Critics broadly regarded D.A.R.Y.L. as bland, predictable, and formulaic family entertainment, while acknowledging its accessible premise and satisfying emotional resolution.
- Which films are like D.A.R.Y.L.?
- Films with a similar feel include Short Circuit, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Last Starfighter, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
- How long is D.A.R.Y.L.?
- D.A.R.Y.L. runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch D.A.R.Y.L.?
- In United States, D.A.R.Y.L. is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
