Daniel's Gotta Die

is a dark comedy film directed by Jeremy LaLonde and written by Matthew Dressel. With a twisted premise that blends family dysfunction, inheritance games, and attempted murder, the film offers a humorous yet unsettling take on sibling rivalry pushed to its most extreme limits. Featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Joel David Moore, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Bob Saget in his final film role, the movie balances absurdity with unexpected moments of emotional insight.

The story centers around Daniel Powell, played by Joel David Moore, a kind and awkward young man who has lived most of his life away from his toxic, wealthy family. When the family patriarch dies, Daniel is summoned back home for the reading of the will. Reuniting with his estranged siblings after years apart, he discovers that their inheritance is tied to one unusual condition: the family must all spend time together and reconcile their differences. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Daniel learns that some of his siblings might actually be plotting to kill him in order to claim the inheritance for themselves.

What begins as a quirky family reunion soon turns into a tense game of survival. Daniel, optimistic and naive, is caught off guard by the calculating and sometimes violent behavior of his brothers and sisters. As secrets come to light and alliances shift, the film plays with both comedy and suspense, keeping the audience guessing whether Daniel will make it out alive or not.

Joel David Moore delivers a sympathetic and grounded performance as Daniel, making him the emotional anchor of the story. His ability to portray vulnerability and quiet strength allows the audience to root for him even as the plot becomes increasingly chaotic. Mary Lynn Rajskub adds a sharp edge to the ensemble as one of the more unpredictable siblings, while Bob Saget brings his signature dry wit and timing in a role that is both funny and bittersweet, given his passing shortly after filming.

The film's tone shifts between deadpan humor and dark satire. Director Jeremy LaLonde uses a clean visual style, letting the bizarre family dynamics and offbeat dialogue take center stage. The mansion setting, luxurious but cold, serves as a fitting backdrop for the emotional distance and greed that define the family’s relationships. Despite the film’s absurd premise, there are moments of surprising sincerity that examine how deeply childhood wounds and unresolved resentment can shape adult behavior.

Daniel's Gotta Die does not aim to deliver deep philosophical insights, but it succeeds in providing a clever and entertaining commentary on privilege, family dysfunction, and the absurdity of wealth-driven morality. The script is tight, the pacing quick, and the performances engaging throughout.

In conclusion, Daniel's Gotta Die is a wickedly funny and cleverly written dark comedy that serves as both a wild ride and a farewell to Bob Saget's unique comic voice. With its mix of sibling tension, deadly secrets, and reluctant bonding, it offers a fresh and entertaining take on what happens when family ties are more dangerous than comforting.